Argentina Durán, Rapsodia Mexicana

A principal performer of the National Symphony Orchestra, emerging piano virtuoso Argentina Durán’s gloriously and sensitively performed, emotionally resonant second solo album Rapsodia Mexicana (Mexican Rhapsody) is a masterful, diverse collection celebrating the works of notable composers from her home country from the 19th Century to present day.

Her graceful, elegant touch and passionate, richly lyrical renderings offer listeners previously uninitiated to the riches to Mexican classical music beautiful pieces by Manuel M. Ponce (the opening four part suite “Cuatro Danzas Mexicanas”), Felipe Villanueva (“Amar…Nocturno”), Jose Rolon (“Berceuse, Op. 12 No. 3), Sergio Cardenas (“Marchita el alma”), Alejandro Corona (“Padre”), Luis G. Jorda (the three part suite “Danzas Nocturnas”), Alfredo Carrasco (“Romanza sin palabras”) and Mario Ruiz Armengol (“Baila tristeza”).

Interestingly, and showcasing her desire to showcase her skills via impactful pieces whatever their origin, Durán closes the 46-minute set with a deeply intuitive, dynamics filled reading of the title track “Rapsodia Mexicana,” an obscure piece by lesser-known composer Jesus Corona that was previously unpublished. Much of the promotional writing about this album covers the intricate technical aspects of the recording, which is significant because it’s the very first classical piano album produced in Mexico with immersive Dolby Atmos audio technology.

Offering a fresh, wonder-filled way to discover the wealth of Mexico’s musical heritage, Rapsodia Mexicana was produced by Jose Luis Esquivel and Rosino Serrano at the legendary and recently renovated Sala Silvestre Revueltas at Estudios Churubusco in Mexico City.