Royal Scottish National Orchestra / Eduardo Portal

Gustavo Diaz-Jerez: Maghek - Seven Symphonic Poems About The Canary Islands Royal Scottish National Orchestra / Eduardo Portal

A world-premiere recording, this music requires each player of the orchestra to use specific techniques, highlighted by Díaz-Jerez to create specific sounds and notes, creating an amazing soundworld. Gustavo Díaz-Jerez is one of the leading composers and pianists in Spain.

This album represents the culmination of more than ten years of compositional work. A unique endeavour in the history of music in the Canary Islands, it comprises seven symphonic poems - almost two and a half hours of music - which evoke the landscapes and natural beauty of the Canaries. The cycle takes its name, Maghek ('the one who creates brightness'), from the sungoddess of the Guanches, the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands. Each piece is inspired by a specific locale on a different island; some resurrect forgotten stories. Naturalistic tonal painting (the sea, the wind, the rugged scenery) is a constant feature throughout the cycle.