Cecilio Perera GUITAR MUSIC OF MEXICO

The contemporary guitar music scene of Mexico is a vibrant and active community of composers, many of them concert guitarists themselves. The new generations of composers are creating a fascinating new repertoire which, while rooted in the historical elements of the Mexican musical heritage with its traditional melodies and indigenous folkloric vitality, embraces the sophistication of European compositional techniques. Evocations of period and place can be heard in Oliva’s Images of Yucatán and Gerardo Tamez’s Aires de Son, reminiscent of the music of southern Mexico. There are also personal homages such as award-winning guitarist Perera’s romantic Marina and Helguera’s poignant Un retrato (A Portrait). 

Ernesto Lunagómez, born in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, grew up in Cerro Azul, Veracruz. He later returned to Xalapa to begin guitar studies at the University of Veracruz. He has given recitals throughout South America and Europe and is on the academic faculty of the university from which he graduated. Siena, homenaje a Andrew York, dedicated to Cecilio Perera, was included in the repertoire list for the 5th National Guitar Competition in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico in 2006. Andrew York, American guitarist and composer, commented, ‘Many, many thanks for writing such a beautiful piece! I am deeply honoured.’ The work has rhythmic and harmonic affinities with Andrew York’s Sunburst, one of his most well-known compositions. (Naxos)