DISCOVER ESENCIA

A few words from Gregorio on Essence

"Essence:

     It's a word with broad meaning; mainly it constitutes the nature of things, their permanence and invariability. In this album, you will find what I consider to be masterpieces by Latin American composers for cello and piano. Some are original pieces for this instrument and others are adapted for its possibilities, but all are interpreted with the deep respect that music deserves, as well as each of the Latin American composers who are part of this album. Above all, I let myself be carried away by the emotions that each of these works produces in me, essentially hoping that these emotions reach you through this recording.

     All the chosen works without exception are extraordinary; each possesses a special beauty, and the order of the repertoire is designed as if it were a recital that anyone can attend from wherever they are, and to which everyone is warmly invited.

Regarding my interpretations, I have endeavored to put into practice one of the most important teachings that Maestra Natalia Gutman gave me during my training in Moscow; she taught me that each composer has their own style, regardless of whether they share the same period or region. Never to interpret two different composers the same way, and this has been one of my main purposes and challenges in this album, which includes composers from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, and Venezuela, through the brilliant compositions of Astor Piazzolla, Alberto Ginastera, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Julio César Oliva, Paquito D’Rivera, Aldemaro Romero, and Simón Díaz.

     Regarding the Venezuelan composers Aldemaro Romero and Simón Díaz: 
Maestro Romero's suite for cello and piano is a masterpiece and is beautiful and fun as well. Studying it individually, rehearsing it with Riko Higuma on the piano, and performing it together has been a delight in each of these stages. Technically, it is not an easy piece, neither individually nor ensemble-wise, even though it is perfectly written and structured for both instruments. Also, personally I feel a special connection with this piece since I had the honor of meeting Maestro Aldemaro in 2006 and the privilege of going to his house and playing for him, and the little time we shared became a decisive thing in my career, as it was precisely Maestro Aldemaro who recommended me for the position of principal solo cello of the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra, a position I obtained through a competition in 2007 shortly before his death. I dedicate my interpretation of his work especially to him with deep and eternal gratitude.

     And in Maestro Simón Díaz's "Tonada de luna llena" what you will hear is a cadence for solo cello; a brief improvisation that I ended up writing, the result of the nostalgia that I felt, as many Venezuelans do, when we listen to his music far from our country.

And although Maestro Paquito D’Rivera is not Venezuelan by birth, he has a beautiful connection with Venezuela and its music. I want to thank him for being part of this musical journey, for allowing me to record his brilliant and wonderful music, for his generosity in sitting down with me to rehearse and record it, even more so after having previously recorded it with one of my favorite cellists and musical heroes, the great Yo-Yo Ma. I feel honored and privileged to have his friendship and presence on this first album, where I wish to share with you more than just pieces for cello and piano, but also my passion for music, my Essence