Leonardo Balada - Balada: Music for Wind Ensemble (LP)

Leonardo Balada's "Balada: Music for Wind Ensemble" is a captivating journey through the world of chamber music, released on 3 juli 2015 under the prestigious Naxos label. This album showcases Balada's mastery in composing for wind ensembles, offering a rich and diverse collection of pieces that span a variety of moods and styles.

The album opens with the grand "Cumbres Symphony No. 2," a sweeping orchestral work that sets the stage for the more intimate pieces to follow. The "Concerto for Piano, Winds and Percussion" highlights the dynamic interplay between solo piano and the wind ensemble, while the "Concerto for Cello and 9 Players" is a three-movement exploration of the cello's expressive range, from the contemplative "Quasi allegretto - Cadenza" to the fiery "Allegretto (Energico, con fuoco)."

The "Viola Concerto" offers a rare opportunity to hear the viola as a solo instrument, and the "Sonata for 10 Winds" rounds out the album with a lively and engaging ensemble piece. With a total runtime of 1 uur, 19 min, this album is a testament to Balada's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. Whether you're a seasoned chamber music fan or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to impress and inspire.