In 1536, the Alsatian printer Johannes Sultzbach, renowned for having adopted in his work the most modern typographic techniques of his time, published in Naples two volumes of music dedicated to the work of Francesco Canova detto 'da Milano', Il Divino, under the title Libro della Fortuna (Book of Fortune). This fact, apparently normal in a country known for its solid printing tradition, was nevertheless surrounded by oddities and peculiarities of all kinds, and only an accumulation of coincidences made it possible. A good part of these coincidences had to do with Spain. Let us tell you this story.
Gustavo Diaz-Jerez is one of the leading composers and pianists in Spain. His compositional output spans all genres, from solo works to opera. His works have been premiered by prestigious ensembles and orchestras. His orchestral work Ymarxa, commissioned by the XXVII Canary Islands Music Festival, was premiered by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Charles Dutoit. In 2018, his first opera was premiered, La casa imaginaria. This album represents the culmination of more than ten years of compositional work. A unique endeavour in the history of music in the Canary Islands, it comprises seven symphonic poems almost two and a half hours of music which evoke the landscapes and natural beauty of the Canaries.
Fernando Sor, an unparalleled figure in the classical guitar world, revolutionized guitar composition by emulating the rich textures of orchestral music. Educated at the prestigious Escolania de Montserrat and guided by Father Anselm Viola, Sor’s works reflect his profound understanding of counterpoint and polyphony, reminiscent of Haydn’s influence. His innovative techniques, from the use of natural harmonics to polyphonic textures, transformed the guitar into an instrument capable of producing a spectrum of orchestral sounds. This album with Xavier Díaz Latorre features some of Sor’s most exquisite pieces, including Les Folies d’Espagne, Op. 15 and Variations Brillantes sur un Air Favori de Mozart, Op. 9, showcasing his compositional brilliance and the evocative power of his music. Each track is a testament to Sor’s legacy, blending classical elegance with expressive depth, offering listeners an extraordinary auditory experience.
Fernando Sor, an unparalleled figure in the classical guitar world, revolutionized guitar composition by emulating the rich textures of orchestral music. Educated at the prestigious Escolania de Montserrat and guided by Father Anselm Viola, Sor’s works reflect his profound understanding of counterpoint and polyphony, reminiscent of Haydn’s influence. His innovative techniques, from the use of natural harmonics to polyphonic textures, transformed the guitar into an instrument capable of producing a spectrum of orchestral sounds. This album with Xavier Díaz Latorre features some of Sor’s most exquisite pieces, including Les Folies d’Espagne, Op. 15 and Variations Brillantes sur un Air Favori de Mozart, Op. 9, showcasing his compositional brilliance and the evocative power of his music. Each track is a testament to Sor’s legacy, blending classical elegance with expressive depth, offering listeners an extraordinary auditory experience.
Emilio Díaz, guitarist, arranger and Argentine composer. From an open and versatile musical style in genres, jazz, funk and blues, Latin jazz, Argentine music, candombe, bossa nova, samba and African rhythms are mixed in a unique style of guitar and electric guitar playing. It reached an exceptional musical level, like composer and arranger. It was an early child who started playing the guitar at the age of 4 in an autodidact manner; Since then it showed a great natural talent, and at 14 it played with soloists and bands of its city. Born in the province of Jujuy, northern Argentina, then in 2006 he settled in the city of Tucumán. In 2013, he auditioned for Berkle College of Music with Oscar Stagnaro, an outstanding musician. Accepted to the institution. His artistic activity as sideman was varied, of flamenco, Argentine folklore, tango, rock and Latin music, recording and directing several musical projects.