Voices of Connection: 04/19 Granados: Song of the Stars
This is a unique, special offering today: the only recording of this work ever made. It was nominated for a Grammy. It has an amazing story behind it: In 1911 the Catalan composer Enrique Granados premiered this work in Barcelona, with himself at the piano. He died a few years later, and the manuscript of this masterpiece was lost for the remainder of the 20th century until pianist Douglas Riva was able to find it in 2004. Three years later he, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension and I gave the second performance in history! There was enormous critical acclaim in the US and Spain. The recording here represents the live recording made at the “Modern Premiere” and one recording session made a few days later, edited together. What a truly haunting, gorgeous work it is! Nothing quite like it. It begins as an extended piano solo (Granados was a major piano composer). Then the organ comes in, and they play together for a few minutes. Finally, a distant chorus of angels appears from the balcony, followed by the two other main choruses in the front of the church. (Yes! This piece is for piano, organ and 3 choruses!) The various melodies play back and forth between choruses and instruments, and it evolves slowly toward a sublime, peaceful conclusion. Lasting over 17 minutes, this is likely the longest selection we will have on our daily series. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy this truly unique gem!
-Dennis Keene
GRANADOS Song of the Stars
Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Douglas Riva, piano
Mark Kruczek, organ
from the Grammy-nominated Naxos recording Song of the Stars
℗ 2009 Naxos
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.