Lolita Gerson Hernández (b.1965)
Dr. Jeong-Eun Lee, piano
Symphonie Espagnole in D minor, Op. 21
Édouard Lalo
I. Allegro non troppo (1823–1892)
II. Allegro molto
IV. Andante
V. Allegro
Dr. Jeong-Eun Lee, piano
Nightclub 1960 from Histoire du Tango Astor Piazzolla (1921–1992)
Marco Corrales, guitar
Passion Dance
Ivan Lorduy-Camargo, Trumpet
Dr. Jeong-Eun Lee, piano
Erik Morales (b.1966)
Édouard Lalo (1823–1892) A French composer of Spanish descent, Édouard Lalo was known for his contributions to the violin repertoire and his ability to blend French and Spanish musical traditions. His works often feature rich orchestration and rhythmic vitality, reflecting his fascination with Spanish music.
Symphonie Espagnole in D minor, Op. 21 Composed in 1874, Symphonie Espagnole is one of Lalo’s most celebrated works and remains a staple of the violin repertoire. Despite its title, the piece is structured more like a violin concerto, showcasing both lyrical French elegance and fiery Spanish dance rhythms. Written for the virtuoso Pablo de Sarasate, the work features dazzling technical passages, expressive melodies, and an orchestration that highlights the violin’s brilliance. With its contrasting moods and lively spirit, Symphonie Espagnole captures the essence of Spanish musical traditions while maintaining a distinctly Romantic character.
Astor Piazzolla (1921–1992) An Argentine composer and bandoneón player, Astor Piazzolla revolutionized tango music by incorporating elements of jazz and classical music, creating the genre known as nuevo tango. His compositions are characterized by complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and deep emotional intensity.
Nightclub 1960 from Histoire du Tango (1986) is one of Piazzolla’s most famous works, tracing the evolution of tango from its origins to its modern form. Nightclub 1960, the third movement of this suite, represents a period when tango had become more sophisticated and infused with jazz influences. It evokes the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Buenos Aires nightclubs, where tango was transformed into a more intricate and expressive art form. With its fluid lines, rhythmic drive, and characteristic passion, Nightclub 1960 showcases Piazzolla’s innovative approach to tango, making it a dynamic and evocative piece for violin and guitar or piano.
Erik Morales (b.1966) an American composer, conductor, and trumpeter. He has composed best-selling music for many types of genres, including classical, Jazz, and commercial. With over one hundred and fifty publications, his musical works encompass a large variety of styles and settings, including works for wind, orchestral, jazz, and chamber ensemble.
Passion Dance is based around the style of a modern tango. Draw much inspiration from the compositions of Astor Piazzolla, who was perhaps one of the greatest tango composers and performers of our time. The form has an interesting 8-bar/12-bar form in the beginning with a trumpet. Afterwards, the violin presents a slight variation on the theme. Common to many modern tangos is a contrasting middle section. Here, the piano plays a rubato solo in the very high register, giving the piece a warm, introspective quality. Then, all the instruments join in on a variation of the melody, this time with a classic tango rhythmic ostinato. The piece continues to build with intensity and speed to the end.
Gerson Hernández (b.1965) is a Honduran composer, arranger, pianist, and guitarist whose work seamlessly blends jazz and classical music. He began his musical studies at a young age at the Escuela Nacional de Música in Honduras and is currently a faculty member at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, specializing in Jazz.
Lolita was composed in 2020 during the global COVID-19 pandemic. It is a melancholic yet profound piece, a delicate waltz conveying a sense of purity and peace while maintaining an underlying depth. The work’s gentle character and flowing lines create an atmosphere of introspection, making it a poignant addition to the contemporary repertoire.