Kutnowski, M :: Five Argentinean Folk Pieces

The complex, rich writing in the five movements of Martin Kutnowski Five Argentinian Folk Pieces for flute, viola, and piano, is much inspired by Bartok's Six Romanian Folk Dances. Although the original Argentinean rhythms and melodies are often transformed by the use of contemporary techniques, the piece preserves the authentic spirit of each of these folk forms. The five movements: Zamba de Vargas, a well known folk song, refers to a battle in Argentina between two armies of gauchos during the civil wars of the nineteenth century. Ojos Azules (Blue Eyes) is an introspective lament for lost love of Quichua origin. It was first collected by musicologist Leda Valladares. Both the Milonga and the Valsecito Criollo (folk forms which developed in rural areas and then made it to the outskirts of Buenos Aires at the turn of the century) are original themes based on Kutnowski's understanding of the genre.Lastly, the Baguala is inspired by a transcription documented by Isabel Aretz and published by the Instituto Nacional de Musicologia of Buenos Aires in 1969.