In 2012 there was a centennial celebration of the most important Catalan composer of the 20th century, Xavier Montsalvatge. It was celebrated through a series of concerts, masterclasses, expositions, and the presentation of a new biography. The exhibition traveled in Barcelona, Girona, and Madrid, Spain before making its way to New York in November and December of 2012. Host Candice Agree shares his music in the Jan 20th broadcast.
1/6 Tenor Alfredo Kraus The great Spanish tenor Alfredo Kraus in zarzuela and art song.
1/13 Manuel María Ponce Mexico’s finest artists are among those we hear this week celebrating the genius of Mexican composer Manuel María Ponce. Enjoy solo works for piano and guitar, as well as the acclaimed Concierto del Sur.
1/20 Xavier Montsalvatge A tribute to the 20th-century Catalan pianist, critic, and composer Xavier Montsalvatge, one of the so-called “lost generation” of Spanish composers.
1/27 Fernando Sor In the 19th century, the guitar was still thought of as something of a novelty; heard at village fairs, an easy to strum instrument, meant for nothing more than to accompany popular songs. As a respected solo instrument to be applauded in the concert hall, it’s time had not yet come. This week, we’ll hear works by the composer who changed that perception. Fernando Sor created a virtuosic repertory for the guitar which earned him the sobriquet “The Beethoven of the Guitar.”
