Santiago Rodriguez (pianist)
Encyclopedia
Santiago Rodriguez is a Cuban-American pianist
. Rodriguez is an exclusive recording artist for Élan Recordings
. His Rachmaninov recordings received the Rosette award in The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music
and he is a Silver Medalist in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
.
’s regime. Although his parents originally thought that they would be quickly reunited, it took six years for the parents to immigrate to America. He continued his piano lessons while living in the orphanage in New Orleans supported by money that his mother had sewn in his coat. When he was ten years old, Rodriguez debuted with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 27
. Rodriguez completed his Bachelor of Music
degree with William Race at the University of Texas and the Master of Music
degree with Adele Marcus
at the Juilliard School
. After winning the Silver Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
in 1981, Rodriguez launched his international career. He has been featured on the ABC, NBC, PBS, CNN, BBC, CBC television networks.
, Schauspielhaus
in Berlin
, Leipzig
’s Gewandhaus
, Queen Elizabeth Hall
in London
, Montreal
's Théâtre Maisonneuve
, Alice Tully Hall
in New York
, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
in Washington, D.C.
, and the Herbst Theatre
in San Francisco. He has performed internationally with orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra
, the Sachsische Staatskapelle Dresden
, the Staatskapelle Weimar
, the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra
of Japan
, the Tampere Philharmonic
of Finland
, the Berliner Symphoniker
, the Philadelphia
, Chicago
, St. Louis
, Baltimore
, Seattle
, Indianapolis
, American Composers
, as well as the Houston Symphony Orchestra
s, the National Symphony Orchestra
of Washington, D.C., and the American Symphony Orchestra
at Avery Fisher Hall
in New York
. Festivals include the Santander Festival
in Spain
and the Ravenna Festival
in Italy
.
As a chamber musician, Rodriguez has performed with the Guarneri Quartet
, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Ruggiero Ricci
, Nathaniel Rosen
, Walter Trampler
, Ransom Wilson
, Gervaise de Peyer, Aurora Nátola-Ginastera, and Robert McDuffie
.
artist. He is recording The Rachmaninov Edition for the label, which, when completed, will encompass the entire catalog of Rachmaninov's original solo piano compositions. Rodriguez also specializes in the works of Spanish composers. His other recordings includes works by Bach
, Brahms, Ginastera, Liszt
, Tchaikovsky, and Grieg.
. The Washington Post
review included "Santiago Rodriguez is one of the finest pianists on the international scene. In an age in which classicism is revered, this Cuban-born pianist remains a fervent Romantic, spellbinding the audience with his warmth and Promethean fire." After a 2010 concert for the Festival Miami, his review included: "Rodriguez is a pianist of impeccable technique and refined artistic sensibilities. Every note is perfectly placed, his precision and attention to detail everywhere apparent." Santiago’s Rachmaninov recordings have consistently received rave reviews. In reviewing volume one of the Rachmaninov Series, The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music
2010 stated "...This is some Rachmaninov playing! Santiago Rodriguez is the real thing. For a moment, one imagines that Rachmaninov himself is at the keyboard. Rodriguez has something of Pletnev about him: wonderful authority and immaculate technical control, tremendous electricity as well as great poetic feeling. Outstanding in every way." In reviewing volume one and two of Rachmaninov, Bryce Morrison of Gramophone includes "Santiago Rodriguez, the Cuban-American virtuoso, is born for Rachmaninov, and I doubt whether any of the works on these two discs have often been played with such a spellbinding mix of high-born virtuosity and poetic glamour." In reviewing Rachmaninov 3rd/Prokofiev 3rd, the American Record Guide
includes, "This brilliant American virtuoso takes charge immediately and steers his way through the entire concerto with blazing conviction, tremendous technical strength, unswerving concentration and galvanic excitement – but always under absolute control. Among current CDs of the Rachmaninov Third, this goes immediately to the top of the list. I’m familiar with over 60 commercially-issued recordings of the work, and I have no hesitation in placing Rodriguez/Tabakov in the top five." Dixon of Musical America
reviewed it as "...The most positively macho, dramatic, and emotionally riveting performance within long memory. At last, we have among us a true artist quite unafraid of being a dramatic virtuoso, the greatest since Kapell." Rodriiguez’ Ginastera cd was reviewed in New York Magazine as "Ginastera’s brilliantly incisive music might have been written for the special talents of this pianist. The lyrical and percussive extremes of the composer’s distinctive style fully exploit Rodriguez’ remarkable combination of introspective, poetic delicacy and explosive virtuosity."
in Columbia, Missouri
. In 1980, he joined the University of Maryland, College Park
as Artist-in-Residence and Professor of Piano. He remained there until fall 2009, when he moved to Frost School of Music
at the University of Miami
as Professor of Piano and Artist-in-Residence. Rodriguez is also active as a judge for major piano competitions. Most recently, he was Chair of the Jury at the William Kapell International Piano Competition and the San Antonio International Piano Competition.
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
. Rodriguez is an exclusive recording artist for Élan Recordings
Élan Recordings
-History:Élan Recordings was established in 1985 by pianist Santiago Rodriguez and his wife, Natalia Rodriguez. The catalogue features numerous Spanish/Latin recordings. It also features a number of historic re-releases...
. His Rachmaninov recordings received the Rosette award in The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music
The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music
The Penguin Guide To Recorded Classical Music is a widely-distributed annual publication from Britain published by Penguin Books, reviewing and rating currently available recordings of classical music...
and he is a Silver Medalist in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition was first held in 1962 in Fort Worth, Texas and is hosted by Van Cliburn Foundation. It was created by Fort Worth area teachers in honor of Van Cliburn, who had won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition four years prior with Tchaikovsky's...
.
Background
Born on February 16, 1952 in Cárdenas, Cuba, Rodriguez began piano studies at age four with Nelson DeBerge. When Rodriguez was eight years old, he and his brother became part of Project Peter Pan, a project sponsored by Catholic Charities which brought Cuban children to America during Fidel CastroFidel Castro
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party's foundation in 1961 until 2011...
’s regime. Although his parents originally thought that they would be quickly reunited, it took six years for the parents to immigrate to America. He continued his piano lessons while living in the orphanage in New Orleans supported by money that his mother had sewn in his coat. When he was ten years old, Rodriguez debuted with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 27
Piano Concerto No. 27 (Mozart)
The Piano Concerto No. 27 in B flat major, K. 595, is a concertante work by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, for piano or fortepiano and orchestra, the last piano concerto he wrote.-Time of composition:The manuscript is dated 5 January 1791...
. Rodriguez completed his Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music is an academic degree awarded by a college, university, or conservatory upon completion of program of study in music. In the United States, it is a professional degree; the majority of work consists of prescribed music courses and study in applied music, usually requiring a...
degree with William Race at the University of Texas and the Master of Music
Master of Music
The Master of Music is the first graduate degree in Music awarded by universities and music conservatories. The M.Mus. combines advanced studies in an applied area of specialization with graduate-level academic study in subjects such as music history, music theory, or music pedagogy...
degree with Adele Marcus
Adele Marcus
Adele Marcus was an American pianist, but better known as a teacher of many other famous pianists.She was born in Kansas City, the last of 13 children of a rabbi of Russian descent...
at the Juilliard School
Juilliard School
The Juilliard School, located at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, United States, is a performing arts conservatory which was established in 1905...
. After winning the Silver Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition was first held in 1962 in Fort Worth, Texas and is hosted by Van Cliburn Foundation. It was created by Fort Worth area teachers in honor of Van Cliburn, who had won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition four years prior with Tchaikovsky's...
in 1981, Rodriguez launched his international career. He has been featured on the ABC, NBC, PBS, CNN, BBC, CBC television networks.
Concert career
Highlights of Rodriguez's concert career include performances at venues such as Carnegie HallCarnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
, Schauspielhaus
Schauspielhaus
Schauspielhaus is the German word for Theatre.The following theaters are referred to as Schauspielhaus:- Berlin :* Schauspielhaus Berlin, now Konzerthaus Berlin* Großes Schauspielhaus* Neues Schauspielhaus...
in Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
, Leipzig
Leipzig
Leipzig Leipzig has always been a trade city, situated during the time of the Holy Roman Empire at the intersection of the Via Regia and Via Imperii, two important trade routes. At one time, Leipzig was one of the major European centres of learning and culture in fields such as music and publishing...
’s Gewandhaus
Gewandhaus
Gewandhaus is a concert hall in Leipzig, Germany. Today's hall is the third to bear this name; like the second, it is noted for its fine acoustics. The first Gewandhaus was built in 1781 by architect Johann Carl Friedrich Dauthe. The second opened on 11 December 1884, and was destroyed in the...
, Queen Elizabeth Hall
Queen Elizabeth Hall
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is a music venue on the South Bank in London, United Kingdom that hosts daily classical, jazz, and avant-garde music and dance performances. The QEH forms part of Southbank Centre arts complex and stands alongside the Royal Festival Hall, which was built for the Festival...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
's Théâtre Maisonneuve
Place des Arts
right|frame|View of the Place des Arts esplanade. The Musée d'art contemporain is on the left; behind it is the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, with the Théâtre Maisonneuve on the rightPlace des Arts is a major performing arts centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada....
, Alice Tully Hall
Alice Tully Hall
Alice Tully Hall is a concert hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. It is named for Alice Tully, a New York performer and philanthropist whose donations assisted in the construction of the hall...
in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a performing arts center located on the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C...
in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, and the Herbst Theatre
Herbst Theatre
The Herbst Theatre is an auditorium in the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center in Civic Center in San Francisco, United States. The 928-seat hall hosts programs as diverse as City Arts & Lectures, SF Jazz, and San Francisco Performances....
in San Francisco. He has performed internationally with orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra
London Symphony Orchestra
The London Symphony Orchestra is a major orchestra of the United Kingdom, as well as one of the best-known orchestras in the world. Since 1982, the LSO has been based in London's Barbican Centre.-History:...
, the Sachsische Staatskapelle Dresden
Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden
The Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden is an orchestra based in Dresden, Germany founded in 1548 by Kurfürst Moritz of Saxony. It is one of the world's oldest orchestras...
, the Staatskapelle Weimar
Staatskapelle Weimar
The Deutsche Nationaltheater and Staatskapelle Weimar is the most important musical and theatrical venue in Weimar in Germany. It is a twin institution, consisting of the theatrical Deutsches Nationaltheater and the symphony orchestra known as the Staatskapelle Weimar...
, the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra
Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra
The is a Japanese symphony orchestra administratively based in Tokyo. The orchestra primarily performs concerts in Tokyo at the Suntory Hall, but also gives concerts at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall...
of Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, the Tampere Philharmonic
Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra is a Finnish orchestra based in Tampere. Founded in 1930, and maintained by the municipality of Tampere since 1947, the orchestra is currently based in the Tampere Hall...
of Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
, the Berliner Symphoniker
Berliner Symphoniker
Berliner Symphoniker ia a Symphony orchestra in Berlin, Germany.The orchestra began its performing activity on 1 September 1967 as Symphonisches Orchester Berlin. In 1990 it was renamed Berliner Symphoniker...
, the Philadelphia
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
, Chicago
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the five American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five". Founded in 1891, the Symphony makes its home at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and plays a summer season at the Ravinia Festival...
, St. Louis
Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra is an American symphony orchestra based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1880 by Joseph Otten as the St. Louis Choral Society, the SLSO is the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States as it is preceded by the New York Philharmonic.-History:The St...
, Baltimore
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a professional American symphony orchestra based in Baltimore, Maryland.In September 2007, Maestra Marin Alsop led her inaugural concerts as the Orchestra’s twelfth music director, making her the first woman to head a major American orchestra.The BSO Board...
, Seattle
Seattle Symphony
The Seattle Symphony is an American orchestra based in Seattle, Washington. Since 1998, the orchestra is resident at Benaroya Hall. The orchestra's season runs from September through July, and serves as the pit orchestra for most productions of the Seattle Opera in addition to its own concerts...
, Indianapolis
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is a major American orchestra based in Indianapolis, Indiana.Annually, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs 200 concerts for over 350,000 people. It is the largest performing arts organization in Indiana. The ISO is currently one of only 18 American...
, American Composers
American Composers Orchestra
The American Composers Orchestra is an American orchestra based in New York City. It is the only orchestra in the world dedicated solely to the creation, performance, preservation, and promulgation of music by American composers...
, as well as the Houston Symphony Orchestra
Houston Symphony Orchestra
The Houston Symphony is an American orchestra based in Houston, Texas. Since 1966, it has performed at the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts in downtown Houston....
s, the National Symphony Orchestra
National Symphony Orchestra
The National Symphony Orchestra , founded in 1931, is an American symphony orchestra that performs at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.-History:...
of Washington, D.C., and the American Symphony Orchestra
American Symphony Orchestra
The American Symphony Orchestra is a New York-based American orchestra founded in 1962 by Leopold Stokowski, then aged 80. Following Maestro Stokowski's departure, Kazuyoshi Akiyama was appointed Music Director of the American Symphony Orchestra from 1973-1978. Music Directors during the early...
at Avery Fisher Hall
Avery Fisher Hall
Avery Fisher Hall is a concert hall, in New York City and is part of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex. It is the home of the New York Philharmonic, with a capacity of 2,738 seats.-History:...
in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. Festivals include the Santander Festival
Festival Internacional de Santander
The Festival Internacional de Santander is one of Spain's oldest music festivals. Each year, during the month of August it presents two to three operas as well as performances from visiting ballet and theatre companies, solo recitals, and choral, symphonic, and chamber music concerts...
in Spain
Spain
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...
and the Ravenna Festival
Ravenna Festival
The Ravenna Festival is a summer festival of opera and classical music held in the city of Ravenna, Italy and the surrounding area each July and August....
in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
.
As a chamber musician, Rodriguez has performed with the Guarneri Quartet
Guarneri Quartet
The Guarneri Quartet was an American string quartet founded in 1964 at the Marlboro Music School and Festival. During the quartet's early years the members were in residence at Harpur College in upstate New York....
, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Ruggiero Ricci
Ruggiero Ricci
Ruggiero Ricci is an Italian-American violinist known for performances and recordings of the works of Paganini. He was born in San Bruno, California. Ricci's brother was cellist and his sister Emma played violin with the New York Metropolitan Opera.He is the son of Italian immigrants. His...
, Nathaniel Rosen
Nathaniel Rosen
Nathaniel "Nick" Rosen is an American cellist, former gold prize winner at the International Tchaikovsky Competition, and former faculty member at the USC Thornton School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music....
, Walter Trampler
Walter Trampler
Walter Trampler was a German musician and teacher of the viola and viola d'amore.Born at Munich, he began to study music at the age of 6, learning from his father, a violinist. In his youth, he toured Europe performing as the violist of the Strub String Quartet...
, Ransom Wilson
Ransom Wilson
Ransom Wilson is an American flutist and conductor. Studying at the Juilliard School in New York City, he formed a close friendship with Jean-Pierre Rampal...
, Gervaise de Peyer, Aurora Nátola-Ginastera, and Robert McDuffie
Robert McDuffie
Robert McDuffie is an internationally renowned violinist. He has played as a soloist with many of the major orchestras around the world including those of New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Montreal, Toronto, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Minnesota, Houston, St...
.
Recordings
Rodriguez is an Élan RecordingsÉlan Recordings
-History:Élan Recordings was established in 1985 by pianist Santiago Rodriguez and his wife, Natalia Rodriguez. The catalogue features numerous Spanish/Latin recordings. It also features a number of historic re-releases...
artist. He is recording The Rachmaninov Edition for the label, which, when completed, will encompass the entire catalog of Rachmaninov's original solo piano compositions. Rodriguez also specializes in the works of Spanish composers. His other recordings includes works by Bach
Bạch
Bạch is a Vietnamese surname. The name is transliterated as Bai in Chinese and Baek, in Korean.Bach is the anglicized variation of the surname Bạch.-Notable people with the surname Bạch:* Bạch Liêu...
, Brahms, Ginastera, Liszt
Liszt
Liszt is a Hungarian surname. Notable persons with that surname include:* Franz Liszt , Hungarian composer and pianist* Adam Liszt , father of Franz Liszt* Anna Liszt , mother of Franz Liszt...
, Tchaikovsky, and Grieg.
Selected discography
- Rachmaninov, Volume I (Piano Sonata No. 1, Preludes, Op. 32) 1993. Élan Recordings.
- Rachmaninov, Volume II (Piano Sonata No. 2, Chopin Variations, Morceaux de fantaisie) 1994. Élan Recordings.
- Rachmaninov, Volume III (Preludes Op. 23, Corelli Variations, Nocturnes, Songs Without Words) 1995. Élan Recordings.
- Santiago Rodriguez plays Rachmaninov (Includes live performance of Rachmaninov 3rd Concerto with Lake Forest Symphony) 1999. Élan Recordings.
- Rachmaninov 3rd/Prokofiev 3rd (Sofia Philharmonic) 1997. Élan Recordings.
- Rachmaninov 2nd/Chopin 2nd (Berliner Symphoniker Orchestra) 1997. Élan Recordings.
- Ginastera Variaciones Concertantes (Richmond Sinfonia) 1996. Élan Recordings.
- Santiago Rodriguez Plays Ginastera (also works by Albeniz, Falla, Granados, and Ruvo) 1998 Élan Recordings.
- Spanish Album (music by Manuel de FallaManuel de FallaManuel de Falla y Matheu was a Spanish Andalusian composer of classical music. With Isaac Albéniz, Enrique Granados and Joaquín Turina he is one of Spain's most important musicians of the first half of the 20th century....
, Antonio SolerAntonio SolerAntonio Francisco Javier José Soler Ramos, usually known as Padre Antonio Soler, known in Catalan as Antoni Soler i Ramos was a Spanish Catalan composer whose works span the late Baroque and early Classical music eras...
, Joaquin TurinaJoaquín TurinaJoaquín Turina was a Spanish composer of classical music.-Biography:Turina was born in Seville but his origins were in northern Italy . He studied in Seville as well as in Madrid...
, and Ernesto LecuonaErnesto LecuonaErnesto Lecuona y Casado was a Cuban composer and pianist of Canarian father and Cuban mother, and worldwide fame. He composed over six hundred pieces, mostly in the Cuban vein, and was a pianist of exceptional quality....
) 1994. Élan Recordings. - Brahms (Paganini Variations, 16 Waltzes, Chaconne by Bach) 1997. Élan Recordings.
- Tchaikovsky, Grieg and Liszt Piano Concertos (Sofia Philharmonic) 1996. Élan Recordings.
- Piano in Hollywood: the Classic Movie Concertos (Fairfax Symphony Orchestra) 1995. Élan Recordings.
- Max Reger: "Mozart Variations for Two Pianos: Bach-Reger: Brandenbug Concertos (Peter Rosel and Santiago Rodriguez. Élan Recordings.
Critical reception
After performances, he has been called a "phenomenal pianist" by the New York Times and "one of the finest pianists in the world" by The Baltimore SunThe Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun is the U.S. state of Maryland’s largest general circulation daily newspaper and provides coverage of local and regional news, events, issues, people, and industries....
. The Washington Post
The Washington Post
The Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
review included "Santiago Rodriguez is one of the finest pianists on the international scene. In an age in which classicism is revered, this Cuban-born pianist remains a fervent Romantic, spellbinding the audience with his warmth and Promethean fire." After a 2010 concert for the Festival Miami, his review included: "Rodriguez is a pianist of impeccable technique and refined artistic sensibilities. Every note is perfectly placed, his precision and attention to detail everywhere apparent." Santiago’s Rachmaninov recordings have consistently received rave reviews. In reviewing volume one of the Rachmaninov Series, The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music
The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music
The Penguin Guide To Recorded Classical Music is a widely-distributed annual publication from Britain published by Penguin Books, reviewing and rating currently available recordings of classical music...
2010 stated "...This is some Rachmaninov playing! Santiago Rodriguez is the real thing. For a moment, one imagines that Rachmaninov himself is at the keyboard. Rodriguez has something of Pletnev about him: wonderful authority and immaculate technical control, tremendous electricity as well as great poetic feeling. Outstanding in every way." In reviewing volume one and two of Rachmaninov, Bryce Morrison of Gramophone includes "Santiago Rodriguez, the Cuban-American virtuoso, is born for Rachmaninov, and I doubt whether any of the works on these two discs have often been played with such a spellbinding mix of high-born virtuosity and poetic glamour." In reviewing Rachmaninov 3rd/Prokofiev 3rd, the American Record Guide
American Record Guide
The American Record Guide is a classical music magazine. It has reviewed classical music recordings since 1935.Since 1992, with the incorporation of the Musical America editorial functions into ARG, it started covering concerts, musicians, ensembles and orchestras in the US.The magazine prides...
includes, "This brilliant American virtuoso takes charge immediately and steers his way through the entire concerto with blazing conviction, tremendous technical strength, unswerving concentration and galvanic excitement – but always under absolute control. Among current CDs of the Rachmaninov Third, this goes immediately to the top of the list. I’m familiar with over 60 commercially-issued recordings of the work, and I have no hesitation in placing Rodriguez/Tabakov in the top five." Dixon of Musical America
Musical America
Musical America is the oldest American magazine on classical music. Presently it is a website with a weekly online magazine. It is currently published by UBM Global Trade.-History:...
reviewed it as "...The most positively macho, dramatic, and emotionally riveting performance within long memory. At last, we have among us a true artist quite unafraid of being a dramatic virtuoso, the greatest since Kapell." Rodriiguez’ Ginastera cd was reviewed in New York Magazine as "Ginastera’s brilliantly incisive music might have been written for the special talents of this pianist. The lyrical and percussive extremes of the composer’s distinctive style fully exploit Rodriguez’ remarkable combination of introspective, poetic delicacy and explosive virtuosity."
Teaching career
Rodriguez is active as a pedagogue and masterclass clinician. Rodriguez began his teaching career at University of MissouriUniversity of Missouri
The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
in Columbia, Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Columbia is the fifth-largest city in Missouri, and the largest city in Mid-Missouri. With a population of 108,500 as of the 2010 Census, it is the principal municipality of the Columbia Metropolitan Area, a region of 164,283 residents. The city serves as the county seat of Boone County and as the...
. In 1980, he joined the University of Maryland, College Park
University of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland, College Park is a top-ranked public research university located in the city of College Park in Prince George's County, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C...
as Artist-in-Residence and Professor of Piano. He remained there until fall 2009, when he moved to Frost School of Music
Frost School of Music
The Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music or Frost School of Music of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, known from 1926 to 2003 as University of Miami School of Music, is a music school in the United States....
at the University of Miami
University of Miami
The University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1925 with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida, a medical campus in Miami city proper at Civic Center, and an oceanographic research facility on Virginia Key., the university currently enrolls 15,629 students in 12...
as Professor of Piano and Artist-in-Residence. Rodriguez is also active as a judge for major piano competitions. Most recently, he was Chair of the Jury at the William Kapell International Piano Competition and the San Antonio International Piano Competition.
Sources
- Alfanos, V. "On the Go with Santiago Rodriguez." Fanfare, 1986, Vol. 10 Issue n. 6, pp. 326-333.
- Ashby. "Guide to Records: Santiago Rodriguez." American Record Guide, Jul/Aug 1994, Vol. 57 Issue n. 4, pg. 155.
- Brown, Steven. "Two Concerts Offered Music Lovers Passion, Charm." Orlando Sentinel, Jan. 9, 1996.
- Budmen, Lawrence. "Santiago Rodriguez's Memorable Recital worth waiting for." South Florida Classical Review. Nov. 1, 2010.
- Budmen, Lawrence. "Pianist Rodriguez’s life and career come full circle at University of Miami." South Florida Classical Review, Oct. 12, 2010.
- Cuvo, Angela. "Cuban-born Pianist Brings Musical Talents to S.A." La Prensa Vol. 16 n. 39, September 22, 2010.
- Davis, Peter G.. "No Contest". New York Magazine, November 4, 1985, pp. 74-75.
- Dixon, T.L. "Raves for Rodriguez." Musical America, 1990, Vol. 10 Issue n. 5, p. 18.
- Elder, Dean. "How a Young Virtuoso Practices: an Interview with Santiago Rodriguez." Clavier, 1978, Vol. 17 Issue n. 4, pp. 10-14.
- Gerber, L. "A Conversation with Santiago Rodriguez." Fanfare: the Magazine for Serious Record Collectors, 1992, Vol. 15 Issue n. 3, pp. 107-11.
- Holland, Bernard. "Review/Piano: Rachmaninoff Evening by Santiago Rodriguez." New York Times, March 29, 1992.
- Killian, Michael. "Expatriate Prodigy: Pianist Rodriguez Escaped Cuba at 8." Chicago Tribune December 3, 1992.
- Lane, Chester. "Running on Repertoire." Symphony, 1992, Vol. 43 Issue n. 2, pp. 16-19.
- Mangan, Timothy. "Competitions, Cuba Leave Bitter Taste", Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles TimesThe Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
, March 8, 1991 - Manildi, Donald. "Santiago Rodriguez." Musical America, 1990, Vol. 110 Issue n. 5, pp. 16-17.
- Manildi, Donald. "Guide to Records: Santiago Rodriguez." American Record Guide, Jan/Feb 1995, Vol. 58 Issue n.1, p157.
- Marabella, Jean. "Quiet Cuban Airlift Altered 14,000 Lives." Baltimore Sun, Jan. 23, 2000.
- March, Ivan; Greenfield, Edward; Layton, Robert. The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music 2010. Penguin, 2009
- McLellan, Joseph. "Santiago Rodriguez, Playing with Élan." Washington Post, June 7, 1998.
- McLellan, Joseph. "The Little Record Company That Could." Washington Post, April 1, 1990.
- McLellan, Joseph. "Some Big Names Fit Well on Small Labels." Washington Post, Nov. 6, 1994.
- Phillip, Scott. "Ginastera: Danzas Argentinas, Piano Sonata No. 1..." Fanfare, July 1, 2010.
- Roberts, Ed. "Misplaced Earrings Save Day." Washington Post, Jan. 21, 1993.
- Rodriguez, Santiago. "A Pianist's World: In Praise of Teachers." Virtuoso & Keyboard Classics, 1986, Vol. 6 Issue n. 6, pp. 43-44
- Rodriguez, Santiago. "Falling in Love with Rachmaninoff." Virtuoso & Keyboard Classics, 1992, Vol. 12 Issue n. 2, pp. 10-11.
- Scherer, B. "Cuban Rhythms: An Interview with Santiago Rodriguez." Gramophone, May 1990. Vol. 67, p11.
- Stearns, David Patrick. "Santiago Rodriguez." Clavier, 1988, Vol. 27 Issue n. 5, pp. 4-7.
- Sun, Howard. "Maryland Pianist Gave Up First Love for Music." Baltimore Sun, Jan. 17, 1997.
- Teare, Paul W. "Rodriguez, In Sync with Rachmaninoff." Washington Post, Oct. 19, 1993.
- Weinraub, Judith. "The Pianist's Tricky Passage; Music was the ticket for Santiago Rodriguez." Washington Post, Sept. 25, 1992.
- Wigler, Stephen. "Rodriguez's Rachmaninoff has silken textures.". Baltimore Sun, September 24, 1995.
- Wigler, Stephen. "Rodriguez Brings a Latin Flair to Piano." Baltimore Sun, July 25, 1994.
External links
- Elan Recordings
- Southeastern Piano Festival - Santiago Rodriguez
- WFTVWFTVWFTV, channel 9, is the ABC-affiliated television station for Central Florida that is licensed to Orlando. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 39 from a transmitter between Bithlo and Christmas. Owned by Cox Enterprises, WFTV is sister to Independent WRDQ. The two stations...
, Piano Concert Series - Santiago Rodriguez - Washington International Piano Festival - Santiago Rodriguez