Marcela Fiorillo, Piano
ANU School Of
Music,
Larry Sitsky Recital Room
19 September 2013
Review by Len Power
PADRE Antonio
Francisco Javier José Soler Ramos (1729–1783) was a Spanish composer whose
influential works spanned the late Baroque and early Classical music eras. More than 100 Concerts and 84 pianists and
organists over five continents are taking part in an international homage to
Father Soler for the 230th anniversary of his death. Here in Canberra, Argentinian pianist,
Marcela Fiorillo, presented a fine concert entitled, “Passion – Five Centuries
Of Spanish Music” in her homage to the great padre.
It was an
excellent program showcasing six Spanish composers with works from the piano
repertoire by Soler, Albeniz, Granados, Turina and de Falla. Each work showed the distinctive touch of the
composers and the musical influences of their eras but underlying all of them
was the voice of Spain – dramatic, fiery and romantic. The dances were particularly engaging,
especially Soler’s “Fandango”, Turina’s “Orgia” from his Danzas Fantasticas and
the well-known “Danza Ritual del Fuego” by de Falla. Works by Albeniz, “Malaguena” and “Asturias”
and Granados with “Oriental” and “Andaluza” were also notable for their intense
rhythms and fiery emotions.
Marcela
Fiorilla played the works magnificently.
There was great sensitivity and depth in her playing of the quieter
passages and great control and attack in the intense, wilder sections. Fiorilla gave an interesting introduction to
each work before playing it. Her down to
earth, warm manner was a welcome touch. Her
insight into the playing of this music and the appeal of each work was a
highlight of this excellent concert.
Originally published in Canberra City News digital edition 20 September 2013