The Latin Muse
Let pianist Nancy Tsou transport you to the tremendous excitement, the pageantry of the Latin composers Piazzolla, De Falla, Granados, Albéniz and Ginastera. She performs with extraordinary range, depth and penetration.
Nancy writes in the liner notes: "The music of Spain and Latin America - scarcely has it begun before we know exactly where it comes from. A few notes and we are transported to the world of fiestas and flamenco, to the high plains and a proud people. We do not need to hear the sound of guitars or castanets, the melodies and harmonies are enough. It is music as crisp and spare as modern architecture, but with a richness of melody and invention not heard since Bach."
Nancy was brought up in the Argentine, and has an uncanny sympathy for the Latin idiom. Each piece has been selected for one quality only – its intensity of feeling. The fire and tenderness of a great repertory, this is what Nancy Tsou conveys.
On this recording, the music has been played on the instrument for which it was composed. Except for the music of Piazzolla. The arrangements for both Oblivion and Milonga del Angel are by Zunini and Cosentino.
Artist
Nancy Tsou
Nancy Tsou (pronounced "Zo") was born to a diplomatic family of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She began her musical education at age five, in Argentina, and continued her studies in Melbourne and New York.
Press quotes
“The Latin Muse presents some of the best-known works of five Hispanic composers performed by pianist Nancy Tsou. Nancy spent the early years of her childhood growing up in Argentina, absorbing the ubiquitous Latin music, its wonderful colours, and its free and vibrant spirit. She established a deep and sympathetic connection to the Latin culture and music.”
Read full review— SoundsLikeSydney
“It is impossible to praise Nancy Tsou’s playing too highly – accurate, rhythmical and exciting. Many of the works she plays are usually heard being played by musical groups but she loses none of the nuances and, above all, the music is imbued with strongly Hispanic sensitivities.”
Read full review— Tony Burke, classikON
Audio previews
Track Listing
- Oblivion Ástor Piazzolla
- Milonga del Angel Ástor Piazzolla
- Libertango Ástor Piazzolla
- Spanish Dance, Op. 37, no. 5 Andaluza Enrique Granados
- Goyescas Intermezzo Enrique Granados
- The Three-Cornered Hat Danse du Meunier (Dance of the Miller) Manuel de Falla
- La Vida Breve Manuel de Falla
- No. 1: Asturias
- No. 3: Sous le Palmier
- Danza del viejo boyero (Dance of the old herdsman)
- Danza de la moza donosa (Dance of the delightful young lady)
- Danza del gaucho matrero (Dance of the artful herdsman)
Cantos d’Espana, Op. 232 Isaac Albéniz
Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2 Alberto Ginastera
Performers
- Nancy Tsou · piano
Composers
Enrique Granados
Born in Lerida in 1867, Enrique Granados studied the piano and composition in Barcelona and then in Paris, returning to Barcelona in 1889. He won distinction as a pianist and popularity in Spain with his contributions to the form of zarzuela.
Manuel de Falla
Manuel de Falla was born in 1876 in Cadiz, where he first studied, moving later to Madrid and then to Paris, but returning to Madrid when war broke out in 1914. Influenced by the traditional Andalusian cante jondo, he settled in Granada, where his friends included the poet Federico Garcia Lorca.
Isaac Albéniz
Isaac Albéniz was a Spanish Catalan pianist and composer best known for his piano works based on folk music idioms (many of which have been transcribed by others for guitar).
Where to buy
The Latin Muse is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
It's available for streaming through
Spotify and
Apple Music.
The Latin Muse is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.
Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.
