The typical elements of Spanish music, its rhythms, instrumentation and unique melodic lines, are most engagingly presented here by one of Australia’s most successful chamber ensembles, the Southern Cross Soloists (comprising Tania Frazer (oboe), Paul Dean (clarinet), Leesa Dean (bassoon), Peter Luff (horn), Kevin Power (piano) and Margaret Schindler (soprano). They have infused passion and excitement into this recording of Spanish wonders.
Evocative flavours are found in two works exquisitely sung by Ms Schindler: Granados’ Five Tonadillas, Obradors’Chiquitita la novia, both ofwhich have much flair and zest. In de Milan’s Two Romances, the combination of voice and guitar has perfectly captured the sixteenth century character, and in some respects are similar to Dowland’s lute songs. It works well alongside Rodrigo’s Liricas castellanas which continues with a fifteenth century air using modern instrumentation, which emulates the renaissance combination of recorder, vihuela and cornett). Whilst the first two Rodrigo songs capture a melancholy air, the third sparkles.
The ensemble’s founder, Paul Dean has made an arrangement of de Falla’s The Three Cornered Hat (Concert Suite)which works very well for this smaller ensemble. Fiery energy in the opening shows that this ensemble can produce an effect which is large and grand. Quirky phrases abound with quintessential Spanish turns, followed by a bold horn statement taken over by the oboe.
There are two Australian composers on this recording, both of whom were commissioned for the Southern Cross Soloists’ 2006 tour with Slava Grigoryan. Gerard Brophy, a guitarist himself, has matched the lyrical poetry of Paul Verlaine with his own wondrous music in Verlaine Songs, displaying nuance that springs from the text. This is a perfect combination of instrumental colour, performers’ skill and composer’s inspiration, making these songs an addition to the chamber music repertoire of considerable distinction.
Shaun Rigby’s three movement Chamber Concerto is couched in reflections of his infant daughter. It has a playful, and at times calm quality which explores the diversity of the instrumental combination well. One can only hope to hear from this composer in the future.