Roberto Sierra, a native of Puerto Rico, studied at the National Conservatory in San Juan and the University of Puerto Rico before expanding his studies in London, Utrecht, and Hamburg, where he was a pupil of György Ligeti.
Compositional Technique
Many of Roberto Sierra's compositions are organized in multiple layers that move at different speeds, influenced by composers like György Ligeti and Conlon Nancarrow, giving his music depth and fascinating organization.
Composition History
Glosa a la sombra was commissioned with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts and was composed by Roberto Sierra for Continuum shortly after he completed his first opera, El mensajero de plata.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Roberto Sierra's music is characterized by its blend of international techniques with avowedly 'regional' Latin American roots, frequently evoking Caribbean folklore and popular music with freedom and imagination.
Performer Biography
David Krakauer, clarinetist on this album, has an international career as a leading exponent of klezmer music and a classical artist, touring and recording with his 'Klezmer Madness!' ensemble.
Recording & Production
Three of the pieces on this recording were composed for Continuum, the ensemble performing on this album, which has frequently performed Roberto Sierra's music internationally since the early 1980s.
Performer Biography
Continuum, directed by Cheryl Seltzer and Joel Sachs, is a New York-based ensemble that has been performing new music and 20th-century classics since 1966, known for introducing gifted but lesser-known composers.
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