Kendji Girac mi Vida

In the 19th century, France and Spain traded music and literature, with Bizet’s Carmen perhaps the most famous example. Here French-Israeli guitarist Liat Cohen joins Sandrine Piau, Rolando Villazón, and Charles Castronovo for an exploration of music by composers who lived between France and Spain, writing music of both Gallic charm and Spanish fire. French composer Gabriel Dupont’s “Mandoline” gains extra Iberian spice in a new arrangement for guitar, as does the beautiful 7 Canciónes populares españolas by Manuel de Falla, who studied in Paris. Songs and solos by Granados, Massenet, and Rodrigo (including a beautiful arrangement for voices of the Concierto de Aranjuez’s slow movement) complete this intimate musical and historical journey.