Elena Ortega – Luz Tras La Oscuridad: ‘Light after Darkness’ is the second album by the guitarist Elena Ortega. The repertoire intertwines the contemporary music of Juan Erena, Sergio Assad or Carlo Domeniconi with emblematic works of the classical guitar repertoire, like Albéniz or Barrios-Mangoré. With this project, of a more personal and emotional character, Elena introduces us to a story in which many people can be reflected at some point in their lives. Through the music, the listener will go through the different emotions that each of the pieces arouse for the guitarist based on her experiences and memories.
‘Light after Darkness’ is a journey of introspection and discovery, of reflection and self-knowledge, starting from the gloom and solitude that sometimes envelop us; it is a path where gradually calm arrives and finally joy fulfils it, thus reminding us that it is possible to find light after darkness.
TRACK BY TRACK
Carta a Lucina – “There is nothing more beautiful than what I have never had, nothing more loved than what I have lost.” (Joan Manuel Serrat). The piece, dedicated to the Vietnamese guitarist An Tran, begins with harmonics that introduce us to an atmosphere of melancholy and a theme that evokes and conveys the sadness we feel for what could have been but was not. In the words of its author, Juan Erena (1970), ‘Letter to Lucina’ is a letter full of nostalgia, love, and absence, a work of contemplation and longing for the purest love lived.
Choro da Saudade – “Only one person is missing, and the whole world seems depopulated” (Alphonse de Lamartine). Dedicated to Americo Camargo, the son of a friend of Agustín Barrios-Mangoré (1885-1944), due to his tragic death. The Paraguayan composer uses the characteristic Brazilian rhythm of the “choro” and a rondo structure in this piece.
However, as its name suggests, the character of the work is not cheerful but rather sad. “Saudade” is a Portuguese term that is difficult to translate: it is a bittersweet feeling of emptiness caused by the absence of that person or object, similar to melancholy, which carries the idea of wanting to experience it again or the desire to recover it, knowing that it will not be possible.
Variations on an Anatolian Folksong – “I am on a long and narrow road, I’m on my way day and night; I do not know what state I’m in, I’m on my way day and night.” (Asık Veysel). Carlo Domeniconi (1947) uses a theme inspired by the Turkish folk song “Uzun ince bir yoldayım” by the singer-songwriter Asık Veysel to create the typical theme and variations structure with a final compendium of the different motifs that have appeared throughout the work.
With harmonies and sounds that transport us to the Anatolian region, this piece and its underlying theme reflect a state of confusion and disorientation in which we can find ourselves when we forget who we are and do not know how to proceed.
Dreams – “In a place far from anyone or anywhere, I drifted off for a moment.” (Haruki Murakami). This piece, along with Remembrance, is part of the soundtrack that Sergio Assad (1952) composed for the Japanese independent film “Natsu no niwa: The Friends”.
The story narrates how three children begin to take an interest in a lonely and eccentric old man until a bond of friendship and affection gradually forms between them during the long summer afternoons in his garden. Dreams conveys the feeling of loneliness, misunderstanding, and weariness we experience when we find ourselves in a difficult or unpleasant situation, overwhelmed by thoughts and fatigue.
Remembrance – “The day will come when our memories will be our treasure.” (Paul Géraldy) This other piece by Sergio Assad is evocative music that recalls loved ones who are no longer with us and who are felt as an invisible force that drives us to move forward despite sadness and difficulties.
La Serenor – “Nobody can save you but yourself.” (Charles Bukowski). The first piece of Vicente Asencio’s (1908-1979) suite Collectici Intim. The intimate character of this work perfectly reflects the state of serenity, as its name indicates, that we reach after a period of struggle. Thoughts begin to clear, and a thread of light appears on the horizon.
La Calma – “I discover my true self in moments of isolation, away from the influences
of the world.” (Gabriel García Márquez). This third piece from Asencio’s Collectici Intim conveys a sense of peace and tranquility achieved after a process of self-discovery, introspection, and learning. The confusion and darkness are left behind.
Mirándote – “What is essential is invisible to the eye.” (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry). This piece is part of the “Album of Innocence” by Cuban guitarist and composer Eduardo Martín (1956). Dedicated to his son, this music conveys love for loved ones and represents gratitude towards those who do not let others sink into darkness.
Rumores de la Caleta – “Can you remember who you were before the world told
you who you should be?” (Charles Bukowski). This piano piece composed by Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) is inspired by the neighborhood “La Caleta” in Málaga and, according to some sources, also by the couples who met there. As a musician, this piece holds a special meaning for me because, as a child in music school, I played an arrangement of it, and it was one of my favourites. In that childhood era there were no fears, prejudices, or doubts on and off the stage. There was a freedom to be and do without worrying about what others might say.
Sevilla – “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” (Maya Angelou) This other piece by Albéniz represents another significant stage of my life. On one hand, it is inspired by “sevillanas”, an extracurricular activity I always enjoyed as a child, and on the other hand, by the Andalusian city it is named after. During the year I studied in Seville, I met several people who remain my friends to this day, despite the distance. I believe the importance of friendship and the light that this city radiates contribute to bringing out the joy and optimism that reside within each of us.
Guajira – “There is no greater joy than sharing the little things in life with those you love the most.” – Anonymous. This piece by Emilio Pujol (1886-1980) , based on the characteristic Cuban rhythm, represents those moments of joy shared with family and friends. In my home, after family meals, it is common for the guitar to be played and for people to sing, among other music, the guajira. These moments with loved ones contribute significantly to
a person’s happiness.
And so, dear listener, through the pieces you have just heard, I have constructed this journey through a chapter of my existence. I only wish that music has helped and accompanied you as it does for me.
ARTIST BIO:
Born in Madrid, Elena Ortega’s passion for the guitar was ignited early on, leading her to pursue higher education at the Royal Superior Conservatory of Music and later, the Katarina Gurska Superior School of Music. Inspired by traditional Spanish repertoire and its folkloric roots, she honed her craft through Master Classes with renowned guitarists such as Leo Brouwer, David Russell or Pepe Romero. Elena’s impressive solo performances have captivated audiences at esteemed concert halls, including the Cibeles Center and Circulo de Bellas Artes, while her festival appearances have taken her to international stages in Vietnam, Costa Rica, and Croatia.
As a sought-after soloist, she has collaborated with the Symphonic Orchestra of Getafe and the Athanor Orchestra, showcasing her mastery of Concierto de Aranjuez. Committed to nurturing young talent, Elena has participated in educational projects, she has been a part of the International Guitar Festival of Madrid since the beginning, and recently won the InterContinental Music Award in 2023 for ‘Best Instrumentalist’ with her debut album ‘Rumores del Mediterráneo’.
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Elena Ortega – Luz Tras La Oscuridad
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