Atlanta Symphony Orchestra September 13 2006

Ainadamar

When composer Osvaldo Golijov insisted that Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony record his orchestral music for Deutsche Grammophon, it launched an extensive two-year recording project between the composer and the ASO.

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Golijov's one-act opera Ainadamar, with a libretto by David Henry Hwang, is the first CD to emerge from the venture. The story revolves around a moment late in the life of actress Margarita Xirgu as she recalls her friendship with poet/playwright Federico Garcia Lorca, his execution by Spanish fascists and his creative influence. Soprano Dawn Upshaw turns a signature performance as Xirgu, while Lorca is beautifully sung as a "trouser" role by mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor. The small cast and women-only chorus sing well.

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Drawing its mournfully passionate blood-red character from plaintive vocal lines and sensuous dance rhythms for its Ibero-American flavor, Golijov's accessible score is superbly played and shaped to perfection by conductor Robert Spano and the ASO musicians. 4 stars

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The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra kicks off its new season at Symphony Hall on Thurs., Sept. 21.





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