Juana Zayas:A Treasury of Cuban Piano Classics

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Music reviews of Juana Zayas:A Treasury of Cuban Piano Classics

Music Review: A disc to be treasured
Rating: 5 Stars

Zayas left Havana for the Paris Conservatory in her late teens, as did Ignacio Cervantes (1847-1905) nearly a century earlier. His piquantly syncopated Cuban dances-30 of which are presented here-feature lively tango-habanera rhythms and folk-based elements, infused with insouciance, humor and nostalgia. Their quirky titles-Three Knocks, The Charmer, Farewell to Cuba, The Jealous One, Interrupted, Lost Illusions, to name a few-bring to mind other engaging collections of piano works, such as Alkan's Esquisses or Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words.

The name of Alejandro Caturla (1906-1940) will be unknown to most music lovers. None of his music is listed in the Schwann catalog. He gave a classical cast to Afro-Cuban influences, similar to what Alb?niz achieved with his Iberia and Suite espa?ola. Caturla's Danza del tambor brings to mind the sharp rhythmic allure and dissonance of Bart?k or Ginastera, while the gently affecting Pastoral Lullaby, a folk-based guajira, lingers long after its three minutes have passed.

Gifted in a number of fields, Caturla became a lawyer and judge, only to be assassinated by an irate defendant. Each of these composers became politically aware by necessity, given their country's long history of instability. Gisela Hern?ndez (1912-1971) established ties to the Castro Government, which quickly recognized her teaching and compositional abilities. She was also instrumental in publishing the critical editions of Cervantes's music. Among her Cubanas represented here, Guajira is touched with the same gently rocking melancholy as Caturla's piece.

The music of Ernesto Lecuona (1896-1963) is the most often recorded of the four. As with Caturla, he was largely self-taught. His Afro-Cuban Dances are especially appealing; one cannot listen just once to these captivating pieces.

Zayas brings a beguiling zest and wit to the entire disc, all imbued with a native rhythmic sense. Realistically recorded, her generous, spirited playing inevitably brings a smile, evokes an affecting melancholy or warmly lifts one's mood. In contrast to the refinement of Zayas's playing, the awkwardly written and occasionally misspelled booklet notes represent the only drawback to an altogether inspired project.

General CDs

• Styles > Classical
• Chamber Music > General
• Featured Composers, A-Z > ( L ) > Lecuona, Ernesto
• Historical Periods > Classical (c.1770-1830) > Forms & Genres > Chamber Music
• Latin Music > General