Plundered Hearts: Songs by Jorge Martín
Featuring Andrew Garland, Heather Johnson and Jason Wirth
Jorge Martín is one of the most important and influenctial Cuban/American composers writing today. His opera “Before Night Falls” is triumph of American opera. This collection of songs, performed by rising stars Andrew Garland and Heather Johnson, are world premier recordings chronicling his work from 1997 to the present.
This is the perfect recording for anyone interested in contemporary music, contemporary art song and a Latin American composers extraordinary
output. The cover art was designed by award winning artist, Christopher Beckman.
Suddenly with Heather
Jorge Martín
Andrew Garland
Heather Johnson
Fort Worth Interview with Jorge Martín
If you’ve been curious about the state of new music in Cuba, Sequitur offered an answer of sorts in its program at Merkin Concert Hall on Monday evening. But it was an answer with an asterisk, for although the six composers on the program were all born in Cuba, and most began their musical training there, they live elsewhere now.
Still, most of the music keeps its Cuban roots clearly in focus, even when techniques and textures are as eclectic as can be. In ”Conjuration” (2003), Jorge Martín begins with an alternation of slow, tolling sections and bursts of manic energy, but the score melts into an essay in transformed folk melody. Lyrical clarinet lines and rustic violin themes are accompanied by piano and cello figures steeped in Latin rhythms, yet the more acerbic writing of the opening section is always close at hand…..
Allan Kozinn The New York Times
The Cuban-born Addison composer achieved an amazingly beautiful sound despite using rather complex harmonic language to reflect the text. He did this by focusing on the lyricism as well as a consciousness of vocal blending. [As does] the poem, Martín offered an outward layer of traditional lyrical beauty while the inner machinations — including clashing harmonies and rhythms — reflected a deeper truth. He also built and varied the flavor, bringing drama to the work, coming to a climactic finale. But it always sounded beautiful.”
The Rutland Herald
The New York Times
Martín’s music had tensile strength, declamatory sweep and often poignant lyricism. . . . At a time when so many song composers are placating audiences, Mr. Martín’s ambitious and challenging cycle stands out.”
Are You the New Person... Andrew