The rich, velvet tones of acclaimed US soprano Ailyn Pérez are perfect for this collection of five heart-melting songs. With just guitarist Xuefei Yang for accompaniment, Pérez begins with two songs from Manuel de Falla’s Spanish folk-song arrangements, her breathtaking emotional range bringing to vivid life the deep sorrow of “Asturiana” and the haunting intimacy of the lullaby “Nana.” “Estrellita,” a touching portrait of unrequited love, is Mexican composer Manuel Ponce’s best-loved and most beautiful song, while Villa-Lobos’ “Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5” pays homage to Bach, blending the Baroque composer’s exquisite melodic lines with smoldering Brazilian soul. And with Villa-Lobos’ “Melodía Sentimental,” Pérez brings her performance to a poignant and gentle close.
More By Ailyn Pérez
- 2014
- Michael Fabiano, London Philharmonic Orchestra & Enrique Mazzola
- Nadine Sierra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Robert Spano
- Le Concert de l'Hostel Dieu, Sophie Junker & Franck-Emmanuel Comte
- Elīna Garanča, Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria & Karel Mark Chichon
- Denis Severin, Camerata Franconia & Dorian Keilhack