Ernesto Cordero (musician)
Encyclopedia
Ernesto Cordero is a Puerto Rican
composer
and classical guitarist.
where he earned a diploma in 1971. Subsequently, he did post-graduate work in composition with Roberto Caggiano in Rome, Italy from 1972 to 1974 and with Julian Orbón in New York from 1977 to 1978. He first studied guitar from 1961 to 1964 with Jorge Rubiano and he later worked with several teachers, most importantly Regino Sainz de la Maza in Spain in the 60s and Alirio Díaz
and Claudio de Angelis in Italy in 1972. Since 1971 he taught composition and guitar in the music department of the University of Puerto Rico. In addition to his activities as composer, performer and teacher, Ernesto Cordero, was music director since 1980 to 1997 of the International Guitar Festival of Puerto Rico.
Composer and guitarist Ernesto Cordero (born in 1946 in New York and raised in Puerto Rico) has composed a large rich catalogue distinguished by its Caribbean flavor. He has written eight concertos (four for guitar, two for violin, one for flute-piccolo and one for the Puerto Rican cuatro),orchestra compositions, a variety of chamber works in which the guitar appears in diverse ensembles and numerous guitar solos, some of which have become standards. He has received important awards for composition and his music is performed and recorded worldwide by the finest artists. To date, there are more than forty recordings of Cordero's works and most of his several dozen compositions have been published under the banners of leading publishers, for example; Max Eschig (France), Berben (Italy), Chanterelle, Antes Edition and Hubertus Nogatz (Germany), Doberman-yppan, Les Productions D'OZ (Canada), Mel-Bay Publications, Boosey & Hawkes,Editions Orphée, Falls House Press and Michael Lorimer Editions(USA).
Although Ernesto Cordero is now generally known only as a composer, the New York Times reviewer Peter G. Davis highly acclaimed Ernesto Cordero's January 1978 New York Carnegie Recital Hall debut as a guitarist and as a composer: "His technique is impeccable, remarkable for its finger independence and ability to clarify and articulate the most complex textures. The colorist variety of his playing is also extensive, and the subtle interplay of tonal nuances gave each piece a solid musical profile as well as supplying a beguiling sensuous wash of sound". Of Cordero's compositions, the New York Times review said, "...like Mr. Cordero's performances they projected a healthy combination of skill, sensitive invention and sound musical effect".
Milestones for Ernesto Cordero have been the performances and recordings of his guitar concertos: the 1978 and 1983 premieres in Puerto Rico of the Concierto Evocativo and the Concierto Antillano, the 1988 performance of the Concierto Antillano in Paris by the Philharmonic of Radio France under the baton of his close friend and colleague Leo Brouwer, and the 1991 premiere at the Sixth International Congress of Guitar in Mettmann, Germany of the Concierto Bayoán. Ernesto Cordero's countrymen Iván Rijos, Leonardo Egúrbida, Juan Sorroche and José A. López have all performed his concertos, as have leading international performers including, Angel Romero, Carlos Barbosa Lima, Manuel Barrueco, Costas Cotsiolis, Eduardo Fernández, Pepe Romero, Alírio Díaz, Carlos A. Pérez among many others. The Concierto Antillano, has been recorded three times, first by Costas Cotsiolis and the Philharmonic Orchestra of liege directed by Leo Brouwer (Música Viva MV 88.045), later by Carlos Barbosa Lima (Concord CCD-42048-2), and more recently by Angel Romero who made a video of the Concerto (Corporación de las Artes Musicales). Presently, the San Juan Orchestra directed by Roselín Pabón has recorded "Tres Conciertos del Caribe", an all Cordero CD which presents the Concierto Evocativo with Leonardo Egúrbida as guitar soloist, the Concierto Bayoán with Iván Rijos as guitar soloist and the Concierto Criollo with Edwin Colón Zayas as soloist on the cuatro, the characteristically Puerto Rican folk lute which is double strung with metal strings like the mandolin or the bandúrria (Tropical Concerti CD).
Ernesto Cordero began his higher studies in 1963 when he entered the Conservatory of Music in Puerto Rico and he continued at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid, Spain where he earned a diploma in 1971. Subsequently, he did post-graduate work in composition with Roberto Caggiano in Rome, Italy from 1972 to 1974 and with Julian Orbón in New York from 1977 to 1978. He first studied guitar from 1961 to 1964 with Jorge Rubiano and he later worked with several teachers, most importantly Regino Sainz de la Maza in Spain in the 60s and Alírio Díaz and Claudio de Angelis in Italy in 1972. Since 1971 he taught composition and guitar in the music department of the University of Puerto Rico. In addition to his activities as composer, performer and teacher, Ernesto Cordero, was music director since 1980 to 1997 of the International Guitar Festival of Puerto Rico. He is in demand throughout the world as a distinguished participant in leading competitions and festivals.
Michael Lorimer, New York, NY 2008
Although Ernesto Cordero is now generally known primarily as a composer
, the New York Times reviewer Peter G. Davis highly acclaimed Ernesto Cordero's January 1978 New York Carnegie Recital Hall debut as a guitarist and as a composer: "His technique is impeccable, remarkable for its finger independence and ability to clarify and articulate the most complex textures. The colorist variety of his playing is also extensive, and the subtle interplay of tonal nuances gave each piece a solid musical profile as well as supplying a beguiling sensuous wash of sound". Of Cordero's compositions, the New York Times review said, "...like Mr. Cordero's performances they projected a healthy combination of skill, sensitive invention and sound musical effect".
Milestones for Ernesto Cordero have been the performances and recordings of his guitar concertos: the 1978 and 1983 premieres in Puerto Rico of the Concierto Evocativo and the Concierto Antillano, the 1988 performance of the Concierto Antillano in Paris by the Philharmonic of Radio France under the baton of his close friend and colleague Leo Brouwer
, and the 1991 premiere at the Sixth International Congress of Guitar in Mettmann, Germany of the Concierto Bayoán. Ernesto Cordero's compatriot Iván Rijos, Leonardo Egúrbida, Juan Sorroche and José A. López have all performed his concertos, as have leading international performers including, Angel Romero, Carlos Barbosa Lima, Manuel Barrueco, Costas Cotsiolis, Eduardo Fernández, Pepe Romero, Alirio Díaz among many others. The Concierto Antillano, has been recorded three times, first by Costas Cotsiolis and the Philharmonic Orchestra of liege directed by Leo Brouwer (Música Viva MV 88.045), later by Carlos Barbosa Lima (Concord CCD-42048-2), and more recently by Angel Romero
who made a video of the Concerto (Corporación de las Artes Musicales). The San Juan Orchestra directed by Roselín Pabón has recorded "Tres Conciertos del Caribe", an all Cordero CD which presents the Concierto Evocativo with Leonardo Egúrbida as guitar soloist, the Concierto Bayoán with Iván Rijos as guitar soloist and the Concierto Criollo with Edwin Colón Zayas as soloist on the cuatro
, the characteristically Puerto Rican folk lute which is double strung with metal strings like the mandolin
or the bandúrria
.
Puerto Rican people
A Puerto Rican is a person who was born in Puerto Rico.Puerto Ricans born and raised in the continental United States are also sometimes referred to as Puerto Ricans, although they were not born in Puerto Rico...
composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
and classical guitarist.
Education
Ernesto Cordero began his higher studies in 1963 when he entered the Conservatory of Music in Puerto Rico and he continued at the Madrid Royal Conservatory, SpainSpain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
where he earned a diploma in 1971. Subsequently, he did post-graduate work in composition with Roberto Caggiano in Rome, Italy from 1972 to 1974 and with Julian Orbón in New York from 1977 to 1978. He first studied guitar from 1961 to 1964 with Jorge Rubiano and he later worked with several teachers, most importantly Regino Sainz de la Maza in Spain in the 60s and Alirio Díaz
Alirio Diaz
Alirio Díaz is a Venezuelan classical guitarist.The eighth of eleven children, Díaz was born in Caserio La Candelaria, a small village near Carora in western Venezuela. From childhood he showed a great interest in music. At age 16 he ran away from home to Carora, where he sought better schooling...
and Claudio de Angelis in Italy in 1972. Since 1971 he taught composition and guitar in the music department of the University of Puerto Rico. In addition to his activities as composer, performer and teacher, Ernesto Cordero, was music director since 1980 to 1997 of the International Guitar Festival of Puerto Rico.
Composer and guitarist Ernesto Cordero (born in 1946 in New York and raised in Puerto Rico) has composed a large rich catalogue distinguished by its Caribbean flavor. He has written eight concertos (four for guitar, two for violin, one for flute-piccolo and one for the Puerto Rican cuatro),orchestra compositions, a variety of chamber works in which the guitar appears in diverse ensembles and numerous guitar solos, some of which have become standards. He has received important awards for composition and his music is performed and recorded worldwide by the finest artists. To date, there are more than forty recordings of Cordero's works and most of his several dozen compositions have been published under the banners of leading publishers, for example; Max Eschig (France), Berben (Italy), Chanterelle, Antes Edition and Hubertus Nogatz (Germany), Doberman-yppan, Les Productions D'OZ (Canada), Mel-Bay Publications, Boosey & Hawkes,Editions Orphée, Falls House Press and Michael Lorimer Editions(USA).
Although Ernesto Cordero is now generally known only as a composer, the New York Times reviewer Peter G. Davis highly acclaimed Ernesto Cordero's January 1978 New York Carnegie Recital Hall debut as a guitarist and as a composer: "His technique is impeccable, remarkable for its finger independence and ability to clarify and articulate the most complex textures. The colorist variety of his playing is also extensive, and the subtle interplay of tonal nuances gave each piece a solid musical profile as well as supplying a beguiling sensuous wash of sound". Of Cordero's compositions, the New York Times review said, "...like Mr. Cordero's performances they projected a healthy combination of skill, sensitive invention and sound musical effect".
Milestones for Ernesto Cordero have been the performances and recordings of his guitar concertos: the 1978 and 1983 premieres in Puerto Rico of the Concierto Evocativo and the Concierto Antillano, the 1988 performance of the Concierto Antillano in Paris by the Philharmonic of Radio France under the baton of his close friend and colleague Leo Brouwer, and the 1991 premiere at the Sixth International Congress of Guitar in Mettmann, Germany of the Concierto Bayoán. Ernesto Cordero's countrymen Iván Rijos, Leonardo Egúrbida, Juan Sorroche and José A. López have all performed his concertos, as have leading international performers including, Angel Romero, Carlos Barbosa Lima, Manuel Barrueco, Costas Cotsiolis, Eduardo Fernández, Pepe Romero, Alírio Díaz, Carlos A. Pérez among many others. The Concierto Antillano, has been recorded three times, first by Costas Cotsiolis and the Philharmonic Orchestra of liege directed by Leo Brouwer (Música Viva MV 88.045), later by Carlos Barbosa Lima (Concord CCD-42048-2), and more recently by Angel Romero who made a video of the Concerto (Corporación de las Artes Musicales). Presently, the San Juan Orchestra directed by Roselín Pabón has recorded "Tres Conciertos del Caribe", an all Cordero CD which presents the Concierto Evocativo with Leonardo Egúrbida as guitar soloist, the Concierto Bayoán with Iván Rijos as guitar soloist and the Concierto Criollo with Edwin Colón Zayas as soloist on the cuatro, the characteristically Puerto Rican folk lute which is double strung with metal strings like the mandolin or the bandúrria (Tropical Concerti CD).
Ernesto Cordero began his higher studies in 1963 when he entered the Conservatory of Music in Puerto Rico and he continued at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid, Spain where he earned a diploma in 1971. Subsequently, he did post-graduate work in composition with Roberto Caggiano in Rome, Italy from 1972 to 1974 and with Julian Orbón in New York from 1977 to 1978. He first studied guitar from 1961 to 1964 with Jorge Rubiano and he later worked with several teachers, most importantly Regino Sainz de la Maza in Spain in the 60s and Alírio Díaz and Claudio de Angelis in Italy in 1972. Since 1971 he taught composition and guitar in the music department of the University of Puerto Rico. In addition to his activities as composer, performer and teacher, Ernesto Cordero, was music director since 1980 to 1997 of the International Guitar Festival of Puerto Rico. He is in demand throughout the world as a distinguished participant in leading competitions and festivals.
Michael Lorimer, New York, NY 2008
Works
Cordero’s prolific output as a composer includes eight concertos (four for guitar, two for violin, one for flute-piccolo and one for the Puerto Rican cuatro), a variety of chamber works in which the guitar appears in diverse ensembles and numerous guitar solos, some of which have become standards. His compositions include the following:- SOLO GUITAR
- Preludios Primaverales (1967-1976) (Cinco Preludios) Mel-bay Publications
- Proteus (1972) Bèrben
- Dos Tiempos de Sonata (1972) Max Eschig
- Sonata Italiana (1972) Doberman - Yppan
- Sonatina Lontana (1972) Doberman - Yppan
- Diez Piezas de Juventud (1972-1980) Mel-bay Publications
- Descarga (1980) Adela (Michael Lorimer)
- Suite Antillana (1980) Mel-bay Publications
- Seis milonga (last movement of the suite) watch on YouTube
- Two Popular Andalusian Themes (1973) Mel-bay Publications
- Dos Piezas Afroantillanas (1985) Chanterelle
- El Carbonerito (1986) Mel-bay Publications
- Modern Times, Volumes 1-3 (1986-1990) Chanterelle
- Pinceladas Nocturnas (1988) E.3400B. Bèrben
- Tres Cantigas Negras (1989) Hubertus Nogatz watch on YouTube
- Tropical Nocturnes (1989-1997 easy pieces) Adela (Michael Lorimer)
- Pregunta y Mapeyé (2000) Chanterelle
- Perugia y La Catedral de Taxco (2007-2008) Editions Orphée
- Two Guitars
- Sonatina Tropical (2001) Doberman - Yppan
- last movement of Sonatina Tropical watch on YouTube
- Four Guitars
- Punto y Canto para Cuatro Angeles (1996) Doberman - Yppan
- Voice and Guitar
- Mis Primeros Versos, Eight Songs (1967-1981) Opera tres
- Four Works for Voice and Guitar (1973-1976) Chanterelle
- Two Sentimental Songs (1996) Chanterelle
- Dos boleros, Yo que no siento ya (1993) y watch on YouTube
- Mi silencio (2006)
- Voice, Flute and Guitar
- Two Songs (1973-1976) Hubertus Nogatz
- Voice, Flute, Violoncello and Guitar
- Cantata al Valle de México (1981) Max Eschig
- Flute and Guitar
- Fantasía Mulata (1986) Bèrben
- Guitar, Flute, Violoncello and Bongos
- Dinga y Mandinga (1994) Max Eschig
- Guitar and Mandolin
- Desde mi balcón (2009)
- Guitar and Orchestra
- Concierto Evocativo (1978) Revised Edition Max Eschig
- Concierto Antillano (1983) Revised Edition Mel-bay Publications
- third movement watch on YouTube
- Concierto de Bayoán (1995)
- Concierto Festivo (2003) Mel-bay Publications
- second movement watch on YouTube
- Guitar and Piano
- Concierto Evocativo (reduction)
- Concierto Antillano, (reduction) Mel-bay Publications
- Concierto de Bayoán, (reduction) Hubertus Nogatz
- Concierto Festivo, (reduction) Mel-bay Publications
- Cuatro Concerto
- Concierto Criollo para Cuatro y Orquesta Sinfónica (1986) watch on YouTube
- Violin Concertos
- Concertino Tropical for Violin and String Orchestra (1998) Antes Editions watch on YouTube
- Ínsula, Suite Concertante for violin and string orchestra (2007) watch on YouTube
- Flute-Piccolo Concerto
- Concierto Borikén for Flute-Piccolo and Orchestra (2001) Falls House (in preparation) watch on YouTube
- Concierto Borikén (reduction 2009) Falls House (in preparation)
- Voice and Orchestra (Songs)
- Mis primeras canciones para voz y orquesta
- Voz del güiro (1967), Mi primer verso (1967), Dice la fuente (1972),
- Era mi dolor tan alto, (1976) y La hija del viejo Pancho (1974)
- Voice and Piano (Songs)
- Cinco canciones Antillanas (1967-1974)
- Voz del güiro
- Pregunta
- Si quieres comprender
- Mi primer verso
- La hija del viejo Pancho
- Mandolin (Solo)
- Improvisación I y II (1979) Plucked String, Inc. NL Publications
- Choral Music
- Three Caribbean Chants, for SATB chorus and piano (2002) Boosey and Hawkes
- Estampas Criollas for SATB chorus and piano or optional string orchestra (2005) Boosey and Hawkes ,VIDEO IS AVAILABLE on youtube
Although Ernesto Cordero is now generally known primarily as a composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, the New York Times reviewer Peter G. Davis highly acclaimed Ernesto Cordero's January 1978 New York Carnegie Recital Hall debut as a guitarist and as a composer: "His technique is impeccable, remarkable for its finger independence and ability to clarify and articulate the most complex textures. The colorist variety of his playing is also extensive, and the subtle interplay of tonal nuances gave each piece a solid musical profile as well as supplying a beguiling sensuous wash of sound". Of Cordero's compositions, the New York Times review said, "...like Mr. Cordero's performances they projected a healthy combination of skill, sensitive invention and sound musical effect".
Milestones for Ernesto Cordero have been the performances and recordings of his guitar concertos: the 1978 and 1983 premieres in Puerto Rico of the Concierto Evocativo and the Concierto Antillano, the 1988 performance of the Concierto Antillano in Paris by the Philharmonic of Radio France under the baton of his close friend and colleague Leo Brouwer
Leo Brouwer
Juan Leovigildo Brouwer Mezquida is a Cuban composer, conductor and guitarist. He is the grandson of Cuban composer Ernestina Lecuona Casado.-Biography:...
, and the 1991 premiere at the Sixth International Congress of Guitar in Mettmann, Germany of the Concierto Bayoán. Ernesto Cordero's compatriot Iván Rijos, Leonardo Egúrbida, Juan Sorroche and José A. López have all performed his concertos, as have leading international performers including, Angel Romero, Carlos Barbosa Lima, Manuel Barrueco, Costas Cotsiolis, Eduardo Fernández, Pepe Romero, Alirio Díaz among many others. The Concierto Antillano, has been recorded three times, first by Costas Cotsiolis and the Philharmonic Orchestra of liege directed by Leo Brouwer (Música Viva MV 88.045), later by Carlos Barbosa Lima (Concord CCD-42048-2), and more recently by Angel Romero
Ángel Romero
Ángel Romero is a Spanish classical guitarist, conductor and former member of the guitar quartet Los Romeros. He is the youngest son of Celedonio Romero, who in 1957 left Franco's Spain for the United States with his family....
who made a video of the Concerto (Corporación de las Artes Musicales). The San Juan Orchestra directed by Roselín Pabón has recorded "Tres Conciertos del Caribe", an all Cordero CD which presents the Concierto Evocativo with Leonardo Egúrbida as guitar soloist, the Concierto Bayoán with Iván Rijos as guitar soloist and the Concierto Criollo with Edwin Colón Zayas as soloist on the cuatro
Cuatro (instrument)
The cuatro is any of several Latin American instruments of the guitar or lute family. The cuatro is smaller than a guitar. Cuatro means four in Spanish, although current instruments may have more than four strings....
, the characteristically Puerto Rican folk lute which is double strung with metal strings like the mandolin
Mandolin
A mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family . It descends from the mandore, a soprano member of the lute family. The mandolin soundboard comes in many shapes—but generally round or teardrop-shaped, sometimes with scrolls or other projections. A mandolin may have f-holes, or a single...
or the bandúrria
Bandurria
The bandurria is a plectrum chordophone from Spain, similar to the cittern and the mandolin, primarily used in Spanish folk music.Prior to the 18th century, the bandurria had with a round back, similar or related to the mandore. It had become a flat-backed instrument by the 18th century, with five...
.
See also
- List of famous Puerto Ricans