Presto Editor's Choice
April 2023

Presto Recordings of the Year
Finalist 2023

Sierra, R: Alegria
Sierra, R: Piezas (2) para Orquesta
Sierra, R: Sinfonietta for String Orchestra
Sierra, R: Fandangos
Sierra, R: Sinfonía No. 6

‘The works included on this album span 25 years of creative activity. While current projects are always my focus, looking back is not something I often do; however, this recording confronted me with compositions representing a good part of my creative life. Most interesting was to notice that, although my music has changed through the years, there are traits common to all these pieces. These are elements that encompass aspects ranging from the expressive to the technical. A penchant for certain types of melodic constructions, harmonies, and orchestration choices is always present in these works. Another common element is the use of idioms that stem out of Afro-Caribbean and, more specifically, from the folk and popular music of Puerto Rico’ Composer, Roberto Sierra

When introduced to the audience in Liverpool by Domingo Hindoyan, Sierra’s music was greeted with standing ovations. His name may be new to many, but his music is vibrant, appealing, accessible, and extremely well crafted. This album is a wonderful introduction to this important contemporary composer from Latin America.

"This exuberantly-played and conducted anthology of music by the Puerto Rican composer (b. 1953) is hands-down the most exciting orchestral recording to cross my path so far this year: the vibrant Fandangos (all castanets and scintillating woodwind flourishes) is an absolute riot of colour, whilst the Huracán from Symphony No. 6 is a force of nature in itself. Everything here will grab you by the scruff of the neck in the best possible way." - Presto Music, April 2023