For this new recording of ‘Music of the Americas’ we decided to feature four contrasting works – two of which are very well known – Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Gershwin’s An American in Paris. The other two works are perhaps much less familiar – these being Tangazo by the Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla and Sensemaya? by the Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas. In choosing these particular works, we have tried not to cover the entire continent but rather to provide ‘impressions’ of America and to ‘illuminate’ as many colours in the music as possible.

The common denominator in all of these works is the rhythm which is highly articulated, flexible and energised. These ‘American’ rhythms actually have their roots in Africa – therefore the richness of this repertoire lies very much in its connection to so many musical traditions.

Andres Orozco-Estrada