Luis Gianneo [1897-1968]

[Symphonic Addict]

Having listened to this recording that comprises his works for string quartet (four proper quartets, Cuatro cantos incaicos and Tres piezas criollas), I can claim that Luis Gianneo was a composer of noteworthy stature. There's real merit in these works, pieces that are filled with Argentinian/Latin American soul and idiosyncrasy, distinctive rhythms, melodic wealth and spicy harmony when needed. For music that is little known, one expects performers who tackle it convincingly and make it shine, and luckily the Cuarteto Gianneo play these compositions quite well as far as I am concerned, and the quality of the recording is good too, if a bit loud. Being a live recording, it's nice that, at least, the only audience noise is the applause at the end of each work.