Genre

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Opera

 

Al Ayre Espanol is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque music from Spain. The ensemble was founded in 1988 by Eduardo López Banzo, a Spanish harpsichordist and conductor who had previously worked with other early music groups such as Hesperion XX and La Capella Reial de Catalunya. The name "Al Ayre Espanol" is a play on words, combining the Spanish words for "the Spanish air" (el aire español) with the Arabic word for "the city" (al-ayre). This reflects the ensemble's interest in the cultural fusion that occurred in Spain during the Baroque period, when the country was ruled by the Habsburg dynasty and had close ties with the Muslim world. From its inception, Al Ayre Espanol has been dedicated to exploring the rich musical heritage of Spain from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by such composers as Tomás Luis de Victoria, Francisco Guerrero, Juan Hidalgo, Antonio de Cabezón, and Gaspar Sanz, as well as lesser-known figures like José de Nebra, Antonio Soler, and Juan Francés de Iribarren. One of the hallmarks of Al Ayre Espanol's performances is their use of period instruments, such as the harpsichord, organ, viola da gamba, and various types of plucked and bowed strings. The ensemble also employs a variety of vocal styles, ranging from the austere polyphony of the Renaissance to the ornate coloratura of the Baroque. Over the years, Al Ayre Espanol has undergone some changes in its membership, but several core members have remained with the group for many years. These include Eduardo López Banzo himself, who serves as the ensemble's artistic director and harpsichordist; the soprano Raquel Andueza, who has been a featured soloist since 2002; and the violinist Enrike Solinís, who joined the group in 2005. Al Ayre Espanol has performed extensively throughout Europe, North and South America, and Asia, appearing at major festivals and concert halls such as the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. The ensemble has also made numerous recordings, many of which have received critical acclaim and won awards. One of Al Ayre Espanol's most notable performances was their 2004 concert at the Royal Palace of Madrid, which was attended by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain. The program featured music by the Spanish Baroque composer José de Nebra, including his opera "Venus y Adonis" and his zarzuela "La Iphigenia en Tracia." The concert was broadcast on Spanish television and later released on DVD. Another highlight of Al Ayre Espanol's career was their 2010 performance at the Festival Internacional Cervantino in Mexico, where they presented a program of music by the Spanish composer Antonio Soler. The concert was praised by critics for its virtuosity and emotional depth, and was later released on CD. In addition to their performances and recordings, Al Ayre Espanol has also been recognized with several awards and honors. These include the National Music Prize of Spain in 2004, the Premio Ojo Crítico de Música Clásica in 2005, and the International Classical Music Award in 2012. Overall, Al Ayre Espanol has established itself as one of the foremost interpreters of Spanish Baroque music, combining scholarly research with passionate and expressive performances.

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