Les Quatre Saisons de Buenos Aires

Over the course of the twentieth century, the Americas saw the emergence of an exceptionally rich musical heritage, nourished by the dialogue between Indigenous American traditions, African legacies and European cultures brought by various migrations. From this blending was born a music that is at once colourful, expressive and deeply rhythmic, in which learned composition blends naturally with popular influences. This programme offers a glimpse of this through three emblematic composers: the American Samuel Barber and the Argentinians Carlos Guastavino and Astor Piazzolla. The sonatas by Barber and Guastavino belong to the great European tradition, while allowing a sensibility deeply rooted in popular culture to surface. With Astor Piazzolla's celebrated The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, a vibrant nod to Vivaldi, the soul of the tango, the most quintessentially hybrid of musics, makes its way into the world of chamber music. Carried by the musicians of Ensemble ALMAVIVA, an ensemble specialising in the classical repertoire of the Americas, this concert offers a musical journey from North America to the barrios (neighbourhoods) of Buenos Aires. Ensemble ALMAVIVA

Piano, artistic and musical direction: Ezequiel Spucches

Cello: Alexis Derouin

Clarinet: Clément Caratini