Celebrate then end of National Hispanic Heritage Month with the beautiful diversity, warmth, and cultural richness of Latin America with inspiring works of classical music by Latin American composers. Click on the links to hear a brief selection of composers and performers whose bodies of work are still being celebrated today.
1) Arturo Márquez: Danzon no. 2 -A modern Mexican classic inspired by a Cuban dance.
2) Tárrega, Francisco: Capricho árabe -Tárrega’s extremely popular Capricho árabe, was composed after a trip to Granada, and is dedicated to his friend and composer Tomás Bretón.
3) Carlos Chavez: Sinfonia india, “Symphony No. 2”- Chavez used tunes, rhythms, and instruments from indiginous Mexican cultures in his symphony.
4) Revueltas, Silvestre: Sensemaya– Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas used an eponymous poem by Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén as inspiration to depict a sacrifice in a traditional Afro-Cuban religious ceremony.
5) Rodrigo, Joaquín: Concierto de Aranjuez– Undoubtedly, the most famous and most acclaimed guitar concerto ever written.
6) Albéniz, Isaac: Suite española No. 1, Op. 47 – A recital favorite with an unforgettable opening.
To explore more pieces by these composers, select the Naxos Music Library icon that can be found on the Moraine Valley Library website. Find it under Research Tools, and then select, E-Books, Streaming Video, and Digital Media.