Leonardo Balada, a Catalan-born composer with a long-standing residence in the United States, presents a compelling collection of works in "Balada: Symphony No. 5 / Prague Sinfonietta / Divertimentos." Released in 2006 under the Naxos label, this album offers a rich tapestry of chamber music that spans a total duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes.
The centerpiece of the album is Balada's Symphony No. 5, subtitled "American," which is divided into three distinct movements. The first movement, "9/11: In Memoriam," is a poignant tribute to the events of September 11, 2001, lasting approximately 7 minutes and 59 seconds. The second movement, "Reflection," offers a contemplative interlude, while the third movement, "Square Dance," brings a lively and rhythmic conclusion to the symphony.
In addition to the symphony, the album features the Prague Sinfonietta, a series of three divertimentos that showcase Balada's versatility and compositional prowess. The divertimentos are brief, engaging pieces that add a layer of diversity to the album's overall sound.
The album is performed by the Seville Royal Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Eduardo Alonso-Crespo, who also contributes to the liner notes. The engineering and production are handled by Eleanor Walton, with Ingo Offermanns overseeing the cover illustration. The album's release date is March 21, 2006, and it is available on platforms like Spotify and Discogs.
"Balada: Symphony No. 5 / Prague Sinfonietta / Divertimentos" is a testament to Leonardo Balada's ability to blend cultural influences and create music that resonates with depth and emotion. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply looking to explore new compositions, this album offers a rewarding listening experience.
