Composer: Leo Brouwer
Works: El Decamerón Negro, Preludios Epigramáticos, Canticum, La Espiral eternal, Parabola, Tarantos, Variations on a Theme of Django Reinhardt, Paisaje cubano con tristeza
Performers: Elena Papandreou – Guitar
Recording: NAXOS 8.554553 [73:13]
Label: Naxos
Leo Brouwer stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary classical music, particularly in the realm of guitar composition. His works often reflect an intricate interplay between avant-garde techniques and traditional motifs, rooted in his Cuban heritage. The current release, Guitar Music Vol. 2, represents a significant exploration of Brouwer’s middle period, a time when his compositional voice was marked by an increasing embrace of minimalist aesthetics and a deepened engagement with cultural narratives. This collection, performed with palpable insight by guitarist Elena Papandreou, showcases Brouwer’s evolving style and his capacity to convey profound emotional and intellectual depth through the guitar.
The album opens with “El Decamerón Negro,” a three-movement work composed for the renowned guitarist Sharon Isbin. This piece, steeped in the folklore of Afro-Cuban traditions, is a testament to Brouwer’s ability to fuse dramatic narrative with innovative guitar techniques. Papandreou’s interpretation captures the work’s dynamic contrasts and rhythmic vitality, particularly evident in the second movement, where a series of percussive strikes against the body of the guitar underscores the narrative tension. The precision of her fingerstyle technique allows for an articulate delivery of the complex polyrhythms, while her lyrical phrasing in the thematic sections brings an evocative expressiveness that resonates with Brouwer’s rich cultural palette.
“Preludios Epigramáticos,” another highlight of the disc, offers six short yet profoundly impactful pieces that reveal Brouwer’s playful interaction with harmonic and melodic ideas. Papandreou’s execution of these preludes showcases her remarkable technical prowess, as she navigates the intricate passages with dexterity and clarity. The musical gestures often evoke a sense of spontaneity, with Papandreou’s nuanced dynamics and subtle timing choices enhancing the overall impact. The recording quality, which captures the tonal richness of the guitar, allows each note to resonate fully, creating an immersive listening experience.
Technical demands are a hallmark of Brouwer’s music, and “Canticum” exemplifies this through its unconventional detuning of the sixth string. Papandreou approaches this challenge with confidence, producing a sound that evokes the metamorphosis of an insect emerging from its pupa, as intended by the composer. The ethereal qualities of the piece are aptly conveyed through her sensitive touch, making the listener acutely aware of the transformative power of sound. Similarly, the “Variations on a Theme of Django Reinhardt” not only pays homage to the jazz guitarist but also reflects Brouwer’s eclectic influences. Here, Papandreou navigates the theme with a blend of respect and innovation, integrating jazz idioms into the classical framework seamlessly.
Overall, the production values of this Naxos recording deserve commendation. The engineering effectively balances the instrument’s warmth and the clarity of Papandreou’s articulation, providing an intimate acoustic setting that enhances the listener’s engagement with the music. Comparatively, while previous recordings of Brouwer’s guitar works may offer alternative interpretations, Papandreou’s deep understanding of his stylistic nuances and her technical mastery render this album a noteworthy addition to the existing discography.
This collection of Brouwer’s works, brought to life by Elena Papandreou, serves not only as a showcase of the composer’s artistic evolution but also as an invitation to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of his musical language. For aficionados of contemporary guitar music, this recording is not only invaluable but also a compelling exploration of a composer who continually reshapes the boundaries of the guitar repertoire.
