VA - Intersections (2016) [Hi-Res]

This exquisitely produced album embodies the beautiful art whose creation has been enabled by the newly opened cultural exchange between the United States and Cuba. Through a collection of intriguing compositions by American and America-based composers, Intersections showcases the talents of Cuban musicians ina variety of large ensemble and chamber settings. Moreover, the pieces in the album's contents are replete with symbols that touch on the promise of this new beginning in American-Cuban relations, and suggest some of the darkness that preceded it. This imagery begins with Jeffrey Jacob's Awakening, an undulating work for piano and orchestra which is performed by the composer and the Havana National Symphony. Awakening is hopeful and grand, yet ends ambiguously. In this way, Awakening seems to signal the highest aspirations the Cuban and American people may have for their new relationship, while also reminding us that the process of restoring normality remains unfinished.

TRACK LISTING

1 AWAKENING FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA JEFFREY JACOB
National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba | Enrique Pérez Mesa, conductor
Jeffrey Jacob, piano

UNTOUCHED BY MORNING AND UNTOUCHED BY NOON HEIDI JACOB
Alden Ortuño Cabezas, bass clarinet; Yasek Manzano Silva, trumpet;
Marisel González Valdés, trombone; Brian Church, baritone;
Charles Abramovic, piano
2 INGENUOUS
3 WILD AND RAUCOUS
4 SULTRY, LANGUOROUS
5 LIQUIDO
6 L’ESCALIER
7 SEMPLICE
8 MÄßIGE
9 DISTRATTA

10 PUTTIN’ IT TOGETHER STEVEN BLOCK
Abiel Chea Guerra, drums; Jorge Sergio Ramírez Prieto, alto saxophone;
Carlos Alejandro Gonzales Guerra, tenor/soprano saxophone; Rubén Gonzales
López,double bass; Liset Toppe Benítez, double bass; Enrique Pérez Mesa,
conductor

AND THE HUDDLED MASSES SERGIO CERVETTI
Alden Ortuño Cabezas, clarinet; Leonardo Pérez Baster, violin I;
Luis Alberto Mariño Fernández, violin II; Yamed Aguillón Santa Cruz, viola;
Lester Monier Serrano, cello; Enrique Pérez Mesa, conductor
11 THE TIRED, THE POOR, AND THE HUDDLED MASSES
12 HÂVES, DÉGUENILLÉS
13 NOEMÍ ALVAREZ QUILLAY

14 DEARLY BELOVED CHRISTINA RUSNAK
Ensemble Vocal Luna | Sandra Santos González, conductor

15 DEARLY DEPARTED CHRISTINA RUSNAK
Ensemble Vocal Luna | Sandra Santos González, conductor