Ruth Ruiz-Pipó, widow of composer Antonio Ruiz-Pipó, states that the common view of Spanish music as only festive is unfair and disregards the somber gravity also present in Spain's national culture.
Recording & Production
This album includes a world premiere recording of Antonio Ruiz-Pipó's "Variaciones sobre un tema popular gallego" (1980/84).
Compositional Technique
The works of Federico Mompou, a composer featured on this album, exemplify a principle of "maximum reduction," creating intense character pieces in a small space.
Performer Biography
Ali Hirèche, the pianist on this album, began his music studies with Antonio Ruiz-Pipó, one of the composers featured on this recording.
Album & Artwork
The album title, "Ventanas: A Glimpse of Another Spain," reflects the idea that Spanish music is more diverse than the common stereotype of castanets and festive sounds.
Composer Biography
Antonio Ruiz-Pipó, one of the featured composers, grew up in Barcelona after his father disappeared in the Spanish Civil War in the same week as poet García Lorca.
