Enigma (Fernando Otero album)
Enigma is an album by Argentine pianist, vocalist and composer Fernando Otero, recorded in 2016 and released on the RYCY Productions label. This work comprises eleven thematically-linked compositions for orchestra featuring guest soloists, choir, chamber ensembles and pipe organ. Once again, the pieces are conceptualized around the MusicAL vocabulary of his native land, Buenos Aires, although this release manages to feel distinct from his previous work, in melodic content, instrumentation and form.
Enigma showcases a full orchestral sound performed by the New York State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Otero, who also plays pipe organ on four of the tracks. On previous albums and concerts Otero has showcased both the lyrical and the rhythmic aspects of his music, however in Enigma he emphasizes melody and orchestral TEXtures rather than rhythmic prominence. The album begins with three pieces for violin and orchestra, written by Otero for violinist Nick Danielson. Through his writing, Otero provides a weighty orchestral sound to support Danielson's interpretation, hefty yet characteristically lyrical.
Rhythmic dynamism appears on "Iris", with guitarist Brian Forbes giving support to a violin and cello counterpoint while rising to a particular technical challenge. On "Jade,” a Bandoneon and Organ duet, bandoneonist Hector del Curto provides a fully Argentine aura when phrasing of Otero's melody, which uses a lyrical language easily identified with the tango genre.
Guest soloists include cellists Adam Fisher and Patricio Villarejo, clarinetist Ivan Barenboim, flutist Mariano Gil, percussionist Waldo Madera, soprano Maria Brodskaya and countertenor Resh, in lead roles accompanied by orchestra or pipe organ, and at times unaccompanied.
Track listing
All compositions by Fernando Otero
- Adonis
- Capital
- Tornado
- Genes
- Magnolia
- Jade
- Azalea
- Altar
- Iris
- Central
Personnel
- New York State Symphony Orchestra
- Nick Danielson – violin
- Hector del Curto – bandoneon
- Ivan Barenboim – clarinet
- Mariano Gil– flute
- Ambe Maria Brodskaya – soprano
- Resh – counter tenor
- Fernando Otero – arranger, pipe organ, producer, composer, conductor
- Waldo Madera – snare drum
- Adam Fisher – cello
- Brian Forbes – classical guitar, mastering, mixing, recording, producer
- Manuel Valdivia – recording
- Patricio Villarejo – cello
- Luciano Antinori – cover art
- Yalil Guerra – executive producer