CD 1:
Zarautz (Poema sinfónico)
Concierto para Clarinete, Piano, Viola y Orquesta

CD 2:
Sinfonia No. 7
Muerte de César (Suite BSO “Los Borgia”)
Zarautz (Parte final)
Agur Jaunak (arm. José de Olaizola)

"Zarautz" is a Symphonic Poem that was commissioned by the City Council. For me it was a major challenge. I knew clearly that it had to be a joyful and emotive piece with clear Basque roots; I would have to express my Zarautz of luminous mornings and endearing sunsets with its sea blows and that playful spirit that characterizes us, the zarauztarras. It premiered in Bilbao and we were very happy. Now it's time to present the work to my countrymen. What responsibility! I hope they do not kick me out of town.

Piano, Viola & Orchestra is dedicated to Charo, my wife, because it was her who encouraged me to write it. It consists of three movements: rhythmic the first and third and slow the second. I have never been fond of excessive virtuosity in the soloists. The verbiage of some concerts bores me. So I adventured myself to write what could be funny concert for me; choosing these three solo instruments with different timbres so I could create a lively and dynamic game with the orchestra.

The Seventh Symphony was the first that I composed in a single movement. Then the Eighth and the Ninth would come, also in a single movement. It was starting from a phrase and letting it grow, resulting in two themes that are alternated and developed with the sole purpose that everything flows naturally. To articulate the voices, only one word sufficed: "eneritza"; word without any meaning, but that for me has great appeal, and was very adaptable to articulate all the voices. Probably the Seventh is my most spiritual work. I worked death thoroughly and everything became light. I know that a good destiny awaits us.

Angel Illarramendi

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Recorded live in Zarautz on September 15th, 2017