The Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Miguel Harth-Bedoya - Jimmy López - Perú Negro / Synesthésie / Lord of the Air / América Salvaje (2015)

Award-winning composer Jimmy López was recently hailed by The Chicago Sun-Times as, ''one of the most interesting young composers working anywhere today.'' On this exciting release from harmonia mundi, Miguel Harth-Bedoya leads the Norwegian Radio Orchestra in América Salvaje, Synesthésie, Perú Negro and Lord of the Air - a 2012 cello concerto featuring Jesús Castro-Balbi. All four orchestral works included here are being commercially released for the first time.

As an (ex)Peruvian, born and raised, imbued through ear and skin in the many national musics of the land (yet always preferring classical) and with particular love and respect for the "locals" Ginastera, Chavez, Piazzolla, etc. I feel proud of Mr López and Harmonia Mundi for releasing this. First of all, the music is very engaging -- to my ears it sounds more pan-american than strictly Peruvian. but with lots of color, rhythmical drive and, without doubt, a Peruvian Zeitgeist that everyone can appreciate, especially those of us who still carry Peruvian magic in their souls. The last piece is the earliest (2006), and it shows. Some minimalist (John Adams) influences permeates it somewhat. But it just goes to show how Mr Lopez has gained his voice in the newer pieces. Modern, interesting yet accessible. My kind of music.
The cello concerto (Lord of the Air... inspired by the Andean condor) is a beauty and it should hopefully be welcomed by others virtuosi.
For me, the weirdest thing is that it took a Peruvian composer, cellist and conductor to go to Norway(!) to record this. I wonder what a Dudamel in L.A. or Venezuela would do of this! Also, the acoustic of the hall sounds dry; perhaps it suits the music better?
With so many good reviews here, you might be treating you to something new and exciting.