We are pleased to present the second in our series of recordings dedicated to the music of Basque composers. Whereas the first recording in this series was dedicated to symphonic compositions by Jesús Guridi, this recording features orchestral works by José María Usandizaga. Usandizaga displayed a talent for music at a very early age; he composed his first piece, a waltz, at the age of nine. The young boy was accepted into the famous Schola Cantorum in Paris at the age of fourteen, where he studied with Vincent d’Indy, among others.

Usandizaga’s masterpieces include «Mendi-Mendiyan», «La Llama» and «Las Golondrinas», works which earned him a reputation as one of Spain’s leading composers. His symphonic works are characterized by their great beauty, many of which are filled with the colors and harmonies of his Basque homeland.

The Basque National Orchestra with cello soloist Asier Polo (from Bilbao) under the direction of conductor Gabriel Chmura has recorded some of Usandizaga’s most representative and beautiful symphonic works on this recording, including Dans la mer, Op. 20 (symphonic poem), Irurak bat (rhapsody on three Basque folk songs) and the Fantasía for Cello and Orchestra.