Roberto Sierra: Works for Cello & Piano

John Haines-Eitzen & Matthew Bengtson, Matthew Bengtson, John Haines-Eitzen

Catalog #: TROY1700
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Format: Digital
Instrumental

Composer Roberto Sierra's fourth recording in the series of his music on Albany Records features music for cello and piano. More than three decades separate the compositions, but despite this, there is a common thread that unites all the repertoire—an approach to composition that draws and builds on Sierra's musical heritage. Growing up in Puerto Rico, studying 18th and 19th century European piano repertoire, his musical memory merged this with the sounds of the popular Afro-Caribbean music of the time and this unique DNA shows in his compositions. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Sierra's music is performed throughout the world. He has served as Composer-in Residence with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, and the New Mexico Symphony. Cellist John Haines-Eitzen and Matthew Bengston call themselves the "Sierra Duo," having established a special relationship with the composer. They have spent years studying and performing Sierra's passionate and virtuosic music for cello and piano and this recording demonstrates their deep affinity for his music.

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Track Listing

Title Composer Performer
Suite de Canciones y Danzas for Violoncello & Piano Roberto Sierra John Haines-Eitzen, cello; Matthew Bengtson, piano
Sonata No. 2 (Elegiaca) for Violincello & Piano Roberto Sierra John Haines-Eitzen, cello; Matthew Bengtson, piano
Salsa on the C String for Violoncello & Piano Roberto Sierra John Haines-Eitzen, cello; Matthew Bengtson, piano
Sonata for Violoncello & Piano Roberto Sierra John Haines-Eitzen, cello; Matthew Bengtson, piano
Tres Montunos for Violoncello & Prepared Piano Roberto Sierra John Haines-Eitzen, cello; Matthew Bengtson, piano

Reviews

  • "The performances throughout are committed and technically accomplished, all a composer could ask for this collection of works for cello and piano isn't Latin-flavored background pieces. It is music that demands and rewards one's full attention."

    – Fanfare

  • "These masterful works, performed in equally masterful fashion by Haines-Eitzen and Bengtson, may wll propel this disc onto my next Want List as well. Consequently, my scripturally inspired exhortation is, "G ye therefore and buy, and whatsoever thou doest, do quickly."

    – Fanfare

*Album cover provided for Editorial use only. ©Albany Records. The Albany Imprint is a registered trademark of PARMA Recordings LLC. The views and opinions expressed in this media are those of the artist and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinions held by PARMA Recordings LLC and its label imprints, subsidiaries, and affiliates.