SHARON ISBIN, Romántico

A masterfully intricate yet majestically performed work of tender, intimate grace, sweeping emotional power and wildly passionate expression, the world premiere recording Romántico – featuring the three movement Miami Concerto for Guitar & Orchestra - pairs the soulful, intuitively melodic talents of two of our most storied and enduring national treasures in the classical realm, composer Karen LeFrak and three-time Grammy winning guitarist Sharon Isbin.

LeFrak’s impactful musical vision is brought to life by Isbin’s rich, melodic storytelling, fanciful percussive pluck on the strings and subtle, hypnotic finger work, backed and buoyed by the alternate soft caress and high- octane fire of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s under the direction of Enrico Lopez-Yañez. While all three of these greats have fascinating, miles-long resumes listeners can spend a few hours Googling if they so choose, we should dare to consider that the artistry of all reaches a particularly unique and exotic zenith on this relatively brief (under 20 minutes) but heart and mind transforming homage to the eclectic musical heritage of Miami featuring key influences from Africa, Europe and the indigenous peoples of Latin America.

The concerto portion of Romántico begins with a dreamy orchestral prelude, which transitions quickly with a burst of Isbin’s snappy guitar and resonating percussion in the   guaguancó style, one of the numerous subgenres of the Cuban rumba. This segues into a spirited, ever-intensifying dance adventure artfully partnering her strings with the ever-shifting moods of the orchestra. Isbin showcases the gentler, seductive side of her artistry on the lush, expansive, tango-fired second movement “Romántico” which sweeps up our senses as it breezes along a path of soul connection towards its transcendent crescendo.

The third movement, the perfectly titled “Festivo” is a lyrical, free-flowing, snappy and swaying romp expresses the overflowing joys of the Cuban 6/8 bembé rhythms. Since the primary purpose of the collection seems to be premiering LeFrak’s mini-opus, the final two tracks on the recording – “Habanera Nights” and “Urban Tango” - could be considered thematically related, LeFrak composed world premiere bonus tracks designed to showcase Isbin’s inviting virtuosity in smaller ensemble settings. These include compelling interactions with the haunting cello of Carter Brey (the NY Phil’s principal cellist) on “Habanera Nights” and an intoxicating whirlwind of dynamics from prominent Latin percussionists, including bongo artist Javier Diaz, who is currently starring in Buena Vista Social Club on Broadway.

Listeners enjoying Isbin’s work on this epic recording should also check out Heartstrings, her latest traditional classical album.