Theofanidis: Symphony No. 1 - Lieberson: Neruda Songs

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Robert Spano's "Theofanidis: Symphony No. 1 - Lieberson: Neruda Songs," a remarkable 2011 release from ASO Media that seamlessly blends the grandeur of opera with the intimacy of song. This album is a testament to Spano's artistic versatility and his ability to bring out the best in both large-scale orchestral works and deeply personal vocal pieces.

The album opens with Christopher Theofanidis' Symphony No. 1, a four-movement orchestral journey that showcases the composer's unique voice and Spano's mastery of the symphonic form. Each movement is a distinct emotional landscape, expertly navigated by Spano and his ensemble.

The second half of the album is devoted to Peter Lieberson's "Neruda Songs," a cycle of five songs set to poems by Pablo Neruda. The songs are performed by the incomparable mezzo-soprano, with Spano providing sensitive and nuanced accompaniment. The texts, drawn from Neruda's love poems, are imbued with a profound sense of longing, passion, and tenderness, and Lieberson's music beautifully captures their essence.

With a total runtime of just over an hour, this album is a compelling exploration of the human condition, as seen through the eyes of two of the most important composers of our time. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, Spano's "Theofanidis: Symphony No. 1 - Lieberson: Neruda Songs" is sure to leave a lasting impression.