Various Composers - Flute Music from Mexico (Jonathan Borja; Hector Landa)

Information

1. Arturo Rodriguez - Introspección
2. José Pablo Moncayo - Amatzinac
3. Juanra Urrusti - What lies within
4. Samuel Zyman - Canción de Cuna
5. Diana Syrse - Beldad y fuerza
6. Eduardo Gamboa - Transparencias: I. Torito
7. Eduardo Gamboa - Transparencias: II. Arrullo
8. Eduardo Gamboa - Transparencias: III. ¡Rompe!
9. Eduardo Gamboa - Transparencias: IV. Jarabe
10. Arturo Márquez - Danzón No. 5 "Portales de madrugada" (arr. Borja)

Jonathan Borja, flute

Hector Landa, piano

Date: 2023

Label: Albany

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Review

The flutist Jonathan Borja continues his theme of illuminating the work of Mexican composers, and he’s in the company of Hector Landa’s piano for the pieces by Arturo Rodríguez, José Pablo Moncayo, Juanra Urrusti, Samuel Zyman, Diana Syrse, Eduardo Gamboa, and Arturo Márquez.

Rodríguez’s “Introspección” opens the listen with gorgeous flute and warm keys making for a very pretty and graceful climate, and “Amatzinac”, by Moncayo, follows with a highly dreamy demeanor that blends they piano and flute with much richness.

In the middle, Zyman’s  “Canción de Cuna” soars with an expressive quality and firm key progressions that are quite mesmerizing, while Syrse’s “Beldad y fuerza” is a hypnotic and meticulous album highlight that is emotive and gripping. The final piece, “Danzón No. 5 Portales de madrugada”, is a playful and melodic finish that spotlights the inimitable skills of the flowing keys and agile flute prowess. 

Borja and Landa both have impressive resumes both musically and academically, and together they create cozy and memorable sounds that will always be timeless.

— Thomas Haugen

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Flutist Jonathan Borja, born in Mexico City, holds three graduate degrees from the UMKC Conservatory and a BA from Principia College. Trained by distinguished mentors, he has participated in master classes with leading flutists and performed widely across the U.S., Mexico and abroad. His appearances include major halls and festivals, and he has collaborated with prominent contemporary composers. Borja's research centers on Mexican composers, and he has premiered new works such as Arturo Rodriguez's Cuando Hablan los Vientos. His discography includes albums on Albany, Urtext, and Smekkleysa.

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Hector Landa is a Mexican pianist. He has played in master classes with leading artists and is a committed advocate for contemporary music, particularly works by living Mexican composers. A prizewinner in the Edvard Grieg and Isaias Noriega de la Vega competitions, he has built a versatile career as soloist, recitalist, coach, and accompanist. Landa has performed across the U.S., Mexico and Europe, appearing with multiple orchestras. He is Associate Professor of Piano at the University of Wisconsin–Superior and previously taught at UW–Eau Claire and the University of Louisiana–Lafayette.

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