If we can say that plucked string instruments belong to the oldest that exist in the world today, then the harp certainly has the longest pedigree within our Western musical tradition. It has even been absorbed into the mythology of the gods, and been imbued with magical attributes. Today we are perhaps more distanced from this magic and history, but there is a modern role for the harp as attested by the existence of several fantastic compositions.
The sounds produced by all forms of plucked strings have always captivated the arts and cultures of the Iberian peninsula, and this fascination spread to different continents during the course of centuries. So it is no coincidence that two of the modern harp’s masterpieces are products of Spanish speaking composers: the Argentinean Alberto Ginastera and the Spaniard Xavier Montsalvatge. Both shared the same attraction to the grand gestures of the ballet and opera, composing various pieces for those genres. Both were deeply influenced by the works of Stravinsky and of course, the folk music traditions of Spain and her former colonies. These form the threads of similarity that bind the two. Yet despite these common elements, both compositions on this SACD Hybrid are very different in character and temperament. Ginastera’s contact with Copland during his American sojourns is clearly evident, whilst Montsalvatge’s European orientation towards Le Six provides another tint to his Spanish musical roots. Both compositions taken side by side show how similar basic musical elements of rhythm, sonority and instrumentation are affected and altered by the separation of oceans and different spheres of cultural influence.
In keeping with this Iberian theme, three bonus tracks with pieces of Antonio Soler from an upcoming NorthWest Classics release are also included. Originally written for the harpsichord, these pieces take on a surprisingly vocal character when translated to the sound world of the harp and shed a different insight on Soler’s idiomatic writing.

Reviews
in het Brabants Dagblad, 16 september 2005, door Rinus van der Heijden (Nederlands)
in De Telegraaf, 6 februari 2005, door Bela Luttmer (Nederlands, jpg)
in Luister, mei 2005, door Paul Janssen (Nederlands, jpg)
on www.audaud.com (English)
on www.musicalifeiten.nl (Nederlands)
on www.HiFi.nl (Nederlands)
on www.sa-cd.net (English)
on www.soundstage.com (English)