Fabio banegas: Bottiroli: Complete Works, Vol. 2

Classical pianist, music scholar and editor, Fabio Banegas, has appeared in recitals and as a soloist in the United States, Europe and in his native Argentina. He is a recipient of many awards, most notably the Friends of the Arts of Rosario Award and the Mozarteum Santa Fe Music Award from Argentina, and the Redfield Award of the Orange County Philharmonic Society and the Phi Beta Delta Internationalist Award from the US.

Banegas’ newest release: Bottiroli: Complete Piano Works, Vol. 2 displays not only his well-regarded abilities as a pianist, but also his sensitive and thoughtful curation sensibilities. This volume – the sequel to Vol. 1’s Waltzes – features all world premieres, and continues Banegas’ passion for celebrating the rich, colorful work of his late mentor, José Antonio Bottiroli (1920–1990). Like Bottiroli, Banegas also hails from Rosario, Argentina, and both have been acknowledged for their contributions to Rosario’s culture. In 2011, Banegas archived Bottiroli’s works, placing him with the unique authority to curate and establish the legacy of his compositions. This installment features Banegas’ interpretations of Bottiroli’s sparkling nocturnes. The composer had a deep fascination with the night sky and outer space, and these selections paint beautiful, vespertinal scenes. The album also features Bottiroli’s accompanying poetry, aptly read by actor, author, and activist George Takei. His interpretation of Bottiroli’s words match Banegas’ musical command. We recently chatted with Banegas about this stellar project!

What inspired this project?

An inner call to preserve the artistic legacy of my beloved mentor, José Antonio Bottiroli; and in doing that, the need to advance the vast, rich and unique musical heritage of my native Argentina.

How did José Antonio Bottiroli inspire you?

He inspired me through his compassion, his generosity, his permanent eagerness of giving, always giving to others. I cannot see my talent in any other way than offering for the benefit of neglected composers.

How would you describe Bottiroli’s style of composition?

Bottiroli had a highly individualistic musical style. I often like to describe it from the perspective of beaux arts. Had Bottiroli been a painter he would have been a mixed media artist, a collage master of diverse musical movements. For his palette he would have used a few unmixed colors, laying them on the canvas in a thick impasto, a la Jackson Pollock. But then he would have also used delicate impressionistic watercolors. He would have had the ability of a Franz Kline to generate art with few elements, wide black brushstrokes on a white canvas. I consider Bottiroli to be simultaneously an expressionist and an impressionist, aiming to voice both his inner emotional experiences as well as his reactions to the outer world. His harmonic idiom ascended from a lineage of post-romantic composers, starting with Italian composer Giuseppe Martucci and continuing with his teacher, Argentine composer José De Nito. All arranged and mixed together creating unique musical style.

This album marks the second volume of world-premiere recordings you’ve produced of Bottiroli’s works. How many volumes do you plan to record?

I could envision up to four albums.

Special guest George Takei lends his iconic timbre, and sincere, sage, and resonant narration to the poetry featured on this album. His legendary connection to Star Trek — a beloved franchise that intelligently promotes exploration, peace, and awe of the universe — makes him a fitting ambassador for these celestially-inspired works. Takei’s stellar interpretive skills as a narrator should come as no surprise: from his extensive stage and voiceover work, as well as his own personal love of poetry, he more than has the gravitas to deliver Bottiroli’s words. Incidentally, Banegas and Takei met queuing for an architectural tour in Chicago, and became good friends, bringing this project full-circle as a celebration of cherished people in Banegas’ life.

I was not familiar with works by Jose-Antonio Bottiroli, neither literary nor musical. Fabio Banegas introduced me to his artistry. When I read his poems without his music, instantly I felt the sensualness of his poetry, the almost tactile moods, the palpable emotions. Then I heard his music performed by Fabio. I was transported. I felt as though I was soaring through space, deep velvety darkness with specs of shining lights. Then, gently, the soaring became a soft glide, a soothing indulgence in the moment. Suddenly, the trill… and we’re off on another musical flight. Fabio’s virtuosity and Bottiroli’s artistry is an enormously rewarding voyage.
—George Takei