On this recording, Noteworthy Duo (Lisa Schroeder, flute and Michael Anthony Nigro, guitar) present a handful of Latin American works. Of special interest is the José Luis Merlin work, Agua de Trapiche, which was commissioned by the pair. For this piece, Merlin took inspiration from a small town in Argentina where he has pleasant childhood memories. There are four movements, each depicting different forms of water in Trapiche. With scenes ranging from a lake to a still pool of water to rain to the Rio Grande, this is a really lovely work.
The variety of different traditional Latin rhythms, ranging from slow to quick, found on this recording is also engaging. The contrast between the various movements of the works as well as the works themselves means that this recording is over well before the listener is ready.
Noteworthy Duo plays with precision and sensitivity. Schroeder’s phrasing and ability to create a long, lyrical line is especially impressive. Their decision to end with a work for guitar and alto flute leaves the listener with a calm, serene mood; the title of this recording seems particularly apt.
As In Dreams…
NDM002
Noteworthy Duo
Lisa Schroeder, flute
Michael Anthony Nigro, guitar
José Luis Merlin – Agua de Trapiche
I. Lago de La Florida
II. El Remanso
III. Danza de la lluvia
IV. Rio Grande
Ernesto Cordero – Fantasia Mulata
Christopher Caliendo – Tristeza
Celso Machado – From Musiques Populaires Brésiliennes
Pé de moleque
Sambossa
Jorge Cardoso – Brota un lament sentido
Máximo Diego Pujol – Suite Buenos Aires
I. Pompeya
II. Palermo
III. San Telmo
IV. Microcentro
Ariel Ramirez, arr. José Luis Merlin – Alfonsina y el mar
