Ginastera - Danzas Argentinas Op. 2

On the 40th year anniversary of Ginastera’s death, CECILIA PILLADO, a specialist in Argentine music, wish to honor with this recording one of the most prominent protagonist of the 20th century Argentine music.
Ginastera is known as a “South American Bartók” because of the development of rhythmic folk elements and use of polytonality. Danzas Argentinas Op, 2 were written in 1937 while he was still a student. First dance is composed of two modes (bitonality) using a plain and simple Malambo rhythm (a Gaucho Dance). The second is a gentle dance in 6/8 time with a nostalgic and lyrical melody evocating the vastness of the Argentine pampas (grasslands). Also based in the Malambo rhythm the third dance represents a pianistic challenge: with directions such as furiosamente (furiously), violento (violent)and salvaggio (wild), Ginastera left no doubt as how the third dance should be performed. These virtuoso dances are masterly played by Argentine music specialist Cecilia Pillado, who has been giving the music of her country of birth, Argentina, a central place in her performing repertoire for decades. Already in the ‘90s she surprised the conservative classical audience of the Berliner Philharmonie with innovative repertoire and played recitals with only Argentinian composers in the program, Tangos and own compositions. The press described her as “more than a fashionable crossover” (Tagesspiegel) or even a “pioneer” (Neue Musik Zeitung).