Divine Art Records

Composer: Manuel De Falla

  • Estrellita

    Estrellita

    Divine Art is delighted to announce a superb collection of sensuous classical Spanish language songs for voice and piano, from the sublime musical partnership of lyric soprano Esther Rayo and renowned pianist and conductor Peter Grünberg. This program of works was first heard in a series of concerts given by the San Francisco based teaching and performance organization LIEDER ALIVE!

    The songs are by early 20th century composers: Fernando Obradors, Manuel de Falla, Enrique Granados, Alberto Ginastera, Xavier Montsalvatge, Consuelo Velázquez and Manuel Ponce. Drawing from Spanish classical poetry and regional folk melodies, these vibrant song cycles offer appeal to art song aficionados and first-time listeners alike.

    Born in California, and surrounded by Spanish music and language, this music is close to Esther Rayo’s heart. Her connection with these songs started when she was introduced to the music of Manuel Obradors while in college. Obradors offered the perfect starting point for her continued study and discovery of Spanish art song, and she was guided by the great 20th century sopranos Montserrat Caballé and Victoria de los Angeles, who kept this music alive.

    While she was at graduate school in 2017, Esther was introduced to Peter by Maxine Bernstein, Founder and Director of LIEDER ALIVE! and they made an immediate musical connection around the works of Spanish language composers. LIEDER ALIVE! helped provide opportunities for Peter and Esther to perform this music together, alongside its standard mission of promoting German Lieder. Over the years they continued to study and learn more classical Spanish repertoire, resulting in this, their debut album together. And, even after all these years, they still feel they’ve only just scraped the surface of this wonderful repertoire!

    https://youtu.be/JpWnLkto2wM&w=720

  • Delicias – Spanish Delights for Piano Duo

    Delicias – Spanish Delights for Piano Duo

    Spain, with its location at the southern tip of western Europe, and its exotic history, has developed a unique music tradition, more aligned, through the influence of the Islamic Moorish period, with the middle east than with the more northern parts of Europe. This cultural uniqueness has attracted hosts of non-Spanish composers to write ‘Spanish’ pieces many of which have become staples of the repertoire. This programme includes some favourites – but in unfamiliar guise – and some wonderful and little known gems too. Full of zest, fire and ‘soul’. Several premiere recordings.

  • The Piano at the Ballet

    The Piano at the Ballet

    The final part of Anthony Goldstone’s brilliant triptych of recitals including transcriptions, variations, fantasias, and arrangements of music from public ‘spectacles’ – the first two CDs attracted enormous critical praise and this volume is no less fine, containing perhaps a few more well-known themes, such as those from Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, but in fresh and new arrangements by the performer – indeed most of the music here is receiving its first recording.

    Now, posthumously, here is volume 2 (DDA 25148)

    A Night at the Opera (DDA 25067)
    The Piano at the Carnival (DDA 25076)

  • The Voice of the Clarinet

    The Voice of the Clarinet

    Along with the cello, the clarinet is often regarded as the most “voice-like” expressive instrument. In a unique programme, 20 art-songs and lieder (and one swing classic!) have been newly arranged for clarinet and piano. The result is a beautiful, unusual and uplifting recital with music from across the world.

  • Tzigane

    Tzigane

    A dazzling display of fireworks from the keyboard, this new recording by Anthony Goldstone shows to best effect both his virtuosity and musicianship. Featuring four world première recordings and three superb arrangements by the pianist, a piano showcase of the highest standing.

    The cover image for this CD is the painting “Gypsy Dancer” by the remarkable artist Nina Mikhailenko whose work is full of vitality and passion: see her website.