Concierto Festivo for Guitar and Piano –

Classic Guitar/Ensemble. Cordero’s “Concierto Festivo” for guitar and string orchestra is his most recent work, written in 2003. It was commissioned by the University of Puerto Rico to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of its foundation and the re-opening of its Theater. The concerto has three movements, written in a modal and neo-Romantic style in which the contrapuntal elements of the Spanish Renaissance combine with contemporary harmonies giving it a distinctive flavor which is present in most of Cordero’s works. As in his previous concerti, Afro-Antillean influences occasionally appear in this composition, with their rich, sumptuous rhythms. Ernesto Cordero explores creatively the sonorous resources of the guitar offering it a virtuoso solo feature enriched by dialogues with the other instruments. In many lyrical sections of the piece, the guitar shines and projects a romantic spirit, through beautiful phrases that reflect Cordero’s passion for life and for his beloved Puerto Rico.