Music Showcase Intern Hope Felts King journeys us to South America with her cooking playlist – all you need now are the ingredients!
Welcome to my classical Latin cooking playlist. In my spare time I love cooking, there is nothing better than a glorious homecooked meal and nothing more satisfying than making it yourself. Have you heard everything South America has to offer?
Preheat your oven, grab a pot or pan and start chopping!
Huapango (1941, Mexico) – José Pablo Moncayo – Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas
An upbeat Mexican piece that, even after listening to several times, I still managed to find a new layer of rhythmically complex and authentic Mexican sound. This recording is conducted by the masterful Alondra de la Parra.
Bésame Mucho Kiss Me Much (1940, Mexico) – Consuelo Velázquez arranged and performed by Xavier Cugat and his orchestra (1958)
Originally written by Consuelo Velázquez, this short dance number is one to get you moving.
Sinfonia India, Symphony Number 2 (1936, Mexico) – Carlos Chávez – Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra
Carlos Chávez’s Sinfonia India is inspired by the native Mexican landscape and his friend and fellow composer Aaron Copland. They both share very similar styles of music so don’t be surprised if you hear aspects from Billy the Kid in Sinfonia India and vice versa.
Sobre las Olas Over the Waves (1888, Mexico) – Juventino Rosas, Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas
This piece mixes the Austrian waltz style with the boisterous and brass sound of mariachi.
Perfidia (1940, Mexico) – Alberto Domínguez arranged & performed by Xavier Cugat and his orchestra (1940)
Let your sauce simmer and take a second to relax with this sweet, sensitive and nostalgic number.
Saudades das Selvas Brasillieras no 2 (1927, Brazil) – Heitor Villa-Lobos, performed by Nelson Freire
This short solo piano work symbolizes Villa-Lobos yearning to revisit Brazil’s forests, having written this in France. The change from melancholy to excitement and anticipation outlines his desire to see the world but his longing to return to Brazil.
Siboney (1927, Cuba) – Ernesto Lecuona – sung by Connie Francis
This Cuban work is another homesick serenade; ‘Siboney’ referring to one of the indigenous tribes that inhabited Cuba. Like Villa-Lobos, Lecuona wrote this whilst travelling.
Metro Chabacano (1988, Mexico)- Javier Álvarez, Camerata Romeu
This piece uses a chugging driving rhythm to personify the Mexican railway system, Metro Chabacano is one of the largest train stations in Mexico. This is one of three pieces in the collection ‘Linea 2’ commissioned by visual artist Marcos Límenez.
Tango en Azul Tango in Blue (1938, Uruguay) – José Serebrier, Barcelona Symphony Orchestra, National Orchestra of Catalonia.
This piece was composed on a flight from New York to Montevideo. Jose ́ Serebrier is one of the most recorded classical artists and has conducted for multiple national orchestras in America, South America, Australia and Europe.
El Tarco en Flor (1930, Argentina) – Luis Gianneo, Buenos Aires Symphony Orchestra
Argentina’s ‘El Tarco’ tree blossoms violet every Spring bringing joy to cities such as Tucumán; hear Tucumán folk melodies in this symphonic poem by Luis Gianneo.
Dansa Brasileira (1928, Brazil) – Carmargo Guarnieri – Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra
Ending this playlist is a short, climactic orchestral dance. The momentous driving rhythms push us towards the end of our cooking and onwards to enjoying our delicious meal.
Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this playlist, share your favourite work from it – and maybe a picture of your tasty creation! @TurnerSims
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