World Premiere and New CD/DVD of Oda a Jovellanos Coming Soon

The A440 Arts Group announces the upcoming world premiere and release of a CD and companion behind-the-scenes DVD of Jorge Muñiz’s Oda a Jovellanos, a new cantata for tenor, mixed choir, and orchestra. The cantata was commissioned by tenor Joaquín Pixán to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the death of Asturian politician and writer Baltasar Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos.  The world premiere will be performed by Pixán with the Asturias Symphony Orchestra and Prince of Asturias Choir, conducted by Oliver Díaz in early 2012.  More information about the premiere and recording release will be announced soon.

Oda a Jovellanos is based on the poem of the same title by Antonio Gamoneda. The 30-minute cantata is divided into three movements, exploring the life of the remarkable politician, writer and enlightened man from Asturias, Spain, at the turn of the 19^th century.  While the poetic text has a biographical character, Muñiz wrote the music to provide a dramatic arc through its three movements: Jovellanos, the nonconformist, the man who struggles against the tide, and the man who never loses his love for his beloved homeland, Asturias. The tenor narrates aspects of his life, his strength, and his character, while the chorus reflects on Jovellanos’ important role in Spanish history.  Oda a Jovellanos is scored for tenor, mixed chorus, and full orchestra.