This work "Cristal Argento I" - for full orchestra with the electronic process of the Sonic Crystal - especially created for Basel Sinfonietta, was premiered in Switzerland in 2011. Presented as a traditional score, Edelstein also used an electronic process to act like a transparency. The software programme was designed by the research team of Edelstein, LAPSO (Laboratory of Acoustics and Sound Perception), at Quilmes University where he is a senior professor.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Edelstein
The new work premiered in Basel on the 24th January 2011, in the acoustically wonderful Stadtcasino (Basel), and then at the Franziskaner Konzerthaus (Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany) on the 15th February 2011.
The premiere was conducted by José Luis Gomez - who had just then won first prize in the International Conductor's Competition of Sir Georg Solti at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, and went gone on to be in 2016 the new Musical Director of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
It was part of a concert called “Hupango” in which there were other musics for orchestra from Latin America including those of Jose Pablo Moncayo, Arturo Marquez, and Heitor Villa-Lobos.
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"Cristal Argento I" is continuous with four movements:
i. Órgano colonial respirando / Colonial Organ Breathing
ii. En Otro Mundo: Como otro ruiseñor haciendo nido en la peluca de Voltaire / In Another world: Like Another Nightingale Making a Nest in the Wig of Voltaire
iii. Órgano Colonial Respirando Sumergido como en la Catedral de Santa Mónica de los Venados / Colonial Organ Breathing Submerged, like in the Cathedral of Saint Monica of the Venison
iv. Cristal Estallado en Perspectiva Impura Memoria Navega de Fugas Futuro / Exploded Crystal in Perspective Impure Memory Navigates of Future Fugues
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REVIEWS
“The electronic part carries the game of the orchestra into another space, another world, another sound universe, like a dream, like a recollection, or how it looks through a kaleidoscope, a prism with various refractions. A powerful percussion machine was in action, concentrated beams of sound of stream over the listener... It was exciting to hear such avant-garde new music from Latin America.” Roswitha Frey, BADISCHE ZEITUNG
"Cristal Argento I“ is a strong piece of new music for orchestra and live electronics from Argentina's Oscar Edelstein premiered by Basel Sinfonietta premiere. Rhythmical - multilayered sound fields develop like waves. Edelstein’s close woven music, continuing the tradition of Edgar Varèse, has a force which goes under the skin with a great vitality. The public is enthusiastic...” Christian Fluri, BASELLANDSCHAFTLICHE ZEITUNG
“Edelstein’s composition is a musical drama which reaches the abyss of the human soul where anxiety as well as hope are revealed. Fugue-like passages and a dynamic musical tapestry, short ominous signals in the brass, and sounds reminiscent of lamentations enter in electronic intervals in the background, solo or overlaying the orchestra. This is a deeply moving work which is capable of setting new accents and making us attentive and critical listeners in a society and culture that are becoming increasingly mainstream.”
Alfred Thiele, SÜDKURIER
Oscar Edelstein returned to orchestral writing in 2008 with “La Foto del Tiempo” (The Photo of Time) commissioned by the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional (Argentina), following various years of concentrating on his renowned compositions for theatre, opera and his own ensemble. In 2011 “Cristal Argento I” with a commission from Basel Sinfonietta who wanted a brand new work from Argentina to add to a concert of music from Latin America.
released January 24, 2011
Conductor: JOSÉ LUIS GOMEZ
Orchestra: BASEL SINFONIETTA
Composer: OSCAR EDELSTEIN