Alma Beto Guedes

Soprano Francesca Aspromonte and violinist Boris Begelman present an all-Handel programme exploring the vicissitudes of love, together with Arsenale Sonoro. On Un’alma innamorata, Aspromonte urges us to take ownership of our amorous infatuations, rather than blaming it on Cupid’s arrows. The programme consists of several worldly cantatas with violino concertante – including the famous Mi palpita il cor and a world premiere recording of S’un dì m’appaga la mia crudele – interspersed with instrumental sonatas. The overall chamber-musical approach of Un’alma innamorata increases the emotional impact of the tragic heroines depicted by Aspromonte.

Mostly written in her youth, Alma Mahler’s Lieder are rarely performed, yet each one is a musical gem that forms an important part of the Romantic song repertoire. This album is the first recording that includes all 17 of her songs. Like her personality, Alma’s songs are mysterious, complex and profound and take the listener on a kaleidoscopic voyage where different layers in text and music can simultaneously express blistering religious sentiments, overwhelming eroticism and profound tenderness. With a rich and velvety sound Elise Caluwaerts reveals the full depths of this music: refined details are portrayed with appealing intimacy, exuberant, roller coaster-like chromatic lines are savoured, and text is interpreted with mouth-watering expertise. She is joined on this symbiotic journey by star pianist Marianna Shirinyan who performs on a Steinway from 1899 that exactly mirrors the colourful and warm piano sound that Alma had in mind when composing these beautiful songs.

Paolo Fresu & Omar Sosa - Alma (2012) {Tuk Music}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC+CUE+LOG -> 299 Mb | Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 65 Mb
© 2011 Tuk Music / Bonsai Music | BON120101
Jazz / Post Bop / World Fusion

Alma is a collaboration between six-time GRAMMY's-nominated Cuban composer and pianist Omar Sosa and celebrated Italian trumpet and flugelhorn player Paolo Fresu, with guest cello contributions on four tracks by noted Brazilian conductor, arranger, producer and cellist Jaques Morelenbaum. The compositions are all written by Omar Sosa and Paolo Fresu, except for Under African Skies , a version of the popular track from Paul Simon's Graceland. The music on Alma (soul) is generally melodic and medium-paced, except for a fiery version of Omar s composition Angustia. Fresu's flugelhorn work is sweet and warm and the rich and playful musical connection between Fresu and Sosa is evident throughout the recording.

Soprano Francesca Aspromonte and violinist Boris Begelman present an all-Handel programme exploring the vicissitudes of love, together with Arsenale Sonoro. On Un'alma innamorata, Aspromonte urges us to take ownership of our amorous infatuations, rather than blaming it on Cupid's arrows. The programme consists of several worldly cantatas with violino concertante - including the famous Mi palpita il cor and a world premiere recording of S'un di m'appaga la mia crudele - interspersed with instrumental sonatas. The overall chamber-musical approach of Un'alma innamorata increases the emotional impact of the tragic heroines depicted by Aspromonte.Francesca Aspromonte presents her third Pentatone album, after having released Prologue (2018) and Maria & Maddalena (2021). Boris Begelman featured on the latter album, whereas Arsenale Sonoro makes its Pentatone debut.

Following the series devoted to Korngold's string quartets, here is the first instalment in a new project by Alma Quartet and Challenge Classics. In five CDs the Alma Quartet will bring out the late string quartet output by Beethoven and Shostakovich. Each volume will couple a late quartet by the two composers, who shared a "late style" on this medium.