LORENZO PALOMO (b.1938): Cantos del alma for Soprano, Clarinet and Orchestra, Sinfonía a Granada for Soprano, Guitar and Orchestra.

Description: These attractive, tonal orchestral works incorporating both sung and instrumental solo parts pay tribute to Spanish tradition and in so doing display a great deal of appealing local color. 'Songs of the Soul' sets texts by Juan Ramón Jiménez in lyrical, intimate dialogue with solo clarinet. The music is alternately effervescent and passionate, soulful and sensual, with suggestions of dances and traditional melodies. The Granada Symphony, with guitar and voice, is an evocation of Andalusian life, landscape and culture. There are reference to traditional musics of the region, including Arabic and Hebraic melodic structures, and flamenco guitar. The symphony is evocative and nostalgic, relying on warmth and vibrant color rather than the grand gesture to make its descriptive point about this most inviting region of Europe. Texts and translations available on-line. María Bayo (soprano), José Luis Estellés (clarinet), Vicente Coves (guitar), City of Granada Orchestra; Jean-Jacques Kantorow.