Moving on into February, here's another Spanish-language share for you. This one is a bit older than the previous one, or at least the music is even if the LP is of a similar vintage. I believe this album collects up older tracks and reissues them. Not super familiar with the artist, either, but the notes on the LP seem to imply that she released some or all of the tracks under a different name. Both Maria Esther Robles and Maria D'Attili show up on the sleeve, but they appear to be the same person. Maybe I'm mistaken about that, but that's my understanding. As usual, if you know anything that would help to clear up the situation here, please leave me a comment and straighten me out. This is
Maria Esther Robles (Maria D'Attili)-
Navidad Con Maria Esther Robles (Fragoso ALP 13, Mono). Found this one with two different covers in the archives, they're both in the download. Enjoy!
1. Las Reyes Magos
2. Pastorcillos
3. Villancico Yaucano
4. Pastores A Belén
5. Lirios Blancos
6. Alegría, Alegría, Alegría
7. Amanecer
8. Alma Criolla: Noche De Navidad
9. Venid Pastores
10. Belén A Medianoche
11. Aleluya
12. La Trulla
MEGA
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AI says: **María Esther Robles** (born January 6, 1928) is a notable Puerto Rican lyric soprano and voice teacher. Internationally, particularly in the United States and Europe, she has also performed under the name **Maria D’Attili**.
ReplyDelete### Career Highlights
Robles is considered a musical ambassador for Puerto Rico. Her career is marked by several significant achievements in opera and classical music:
* **Television and Opera:** She performed in televised opera productions, including *The Telephone*, Pergolesi's *La serva padrona*, and Gian Carlo Menotti’s *Amahl and the Night Visitors*.
* **Concerts:** She has given concerts across Central America, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.
* **Collaborations:** She has collaborated with prominent Puerto Rican musical figures such as pianist **Jesús María Sanromá** and composer **Rafael Hernández**.
### Discography
Her recordings often focus on traditional Puerto Rican music and holiday themes. Notable albums include:
* ***Navidad*** (with Rafael Hernández and His Orchestra): A collection of holiday music featuring tracks like "Villancico Yaucano" and "Los Reyes Magos."
* ***Danzas Puertorriqueñas***: An album dedicated to the traditional *danza* genre of Puerto Rico.
* ***Canción de Arte***: A collaborative recording with Jesús María Sanromá.
* ***Le Canta a los Niños***: An album of children's songs.
### Personal Background
She was born in **Fajardo, Puerto Rico**, and raised in **Vieques**. Throughout her career, she has been recognized as a key figure in the classical and folk music history of the island, often performing alongside other local luminaries like Graciela Rivera and Flavia Acosta.
Her Christmas album, simply titled ***Navidad***, is one of the most cherished recordings in Puerto Rican classical and holiday music. It is a collaborative effort featuring the legendary composer **Rafael Hernández** and his orchestra, which lends the project immense cultural weight.
The album is celebrated for bridging the gap between Robles’s operatic soprano training and the folk traditions of Puerto Rico.
### Notable Tracklist
The album features a mix of traditional carols and original compositions by significant Puerto Rican composers. Key tracks include:
* **"Villancico Yaucano":** Composed by Amaury Veray, this is perhaps the most iconic song on the album. It tells the story of a shepherd from Yauco offering his heart to the infant Jesus and remains a staple of Puerto Rican Christmas.
* **"Los Reyes Magos":** A tribute to the Three Kings, written by Braulio Dueño Colón.
* **"Pastorcillos" & "Lirios Blancos":** Composed by Monsita Ferrer, showcasing Robles's delicate vocal control.
* **"Alma Criolla: Noche de Navidad":** An original contribution by Rafael Hernández himself.
* **"La Trulla":** Also composed by Hernández, capturing the lively spirit of the Puerto Rican *parranda* (caroling tradition).
* **"Alegría, Alegría, Alegría":** A traditional holiday favorite.
### Artistic Style
The album is distinct because it avoids the "pop" sound of many holiday records. Instead, it maintains a **"Canción de Arte" (Art Song)** feel. Robles uses her lyrical soprano voice to bring a sense of formal elegance to rural and religious themes, while Hernández’s arrangements provide a sophisticated orchestral backdrop that honors the island's rhythmic roots.
### Other Holiday Works
It is worth noting that Robles also released a later album titled ***Mi Aguinaldo de Navidad*** (Fragoso Records). This later record leans even further into the *aguinaldo* (traditional folk carol) style and features the Agrupación de Cámara Española.
Well, that pretty much sums it up.
DeleteAI Would like to add "If you want, I can aggregate even more information on other Puerto Rican vocalists who performed under various names? Or I can create a list of World Sopranos who have recorded Christmas albums? Or We can just chat about your favorite songs and colors? Just tell me, please! I really really want to find everything I absolutely can about you." ;)
DeleteNot a big fan of AI... :(
DeleteThat's ok, like Jesus, AI doesn't take it personally and is still a big fan of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks! No offense, but I'm not a fan of half-baked info. It's got a long way to go before it's up there with the computer on the Enterprise. :)
DeleteTouche! Ol' Muskie is currently working on that. Forget the cloud! Reach for the stars. (cue the red eye of Hal). -Organ
DeleteI'm sorry Dave, I can't do that...
DeleteThis is a really good listen Ernie- Thanks for bringing the Puerto Rican and Dominican Christmas albums!
ReplyDeleteI try to visit as many places as I can find record from, but it's not easy since I don't get to travel much. And when I do travel, it can be tough to find time for record shopping. :)
Delete