SKU: BO.EI0314

Within musical activities there exists a great diversity of different aspects that often go far beyond any particular specialization. Of all cultural activities clearly music is one that manifests numerous multidisciplinary features which not only enriches music itself but also all who are involved in it. This is certainly the case of Jordi Vilaprinyo, an excellent pianist, brilliant composer and a dedicated pedagogue with a remarkable career as a professor at the Conservatorio Municipal de Musica de Barcelona and in other educational institutions. All of this is all in addition to his role as a tireless advocate of everything relating to the piano, which reveals his exceptional personality completely dedicated to his greatest passion-music.

The academic year 2011-12 marked the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Conservatorio Municipal de Musica de Barcelona. In honor of the occasion, Jordi Vilaprinyo composed a series of eleven short pieces which present a pianistic-musical portrait of each professor of the Piano Department in our Conservatory. This piece, written in the form of a suite, brings together eleven imaginative musical sketches which reflect the personal qualities and musical personalities of his colleagues as seen through the eyes of Mr. Vilaprinyo. These eleven portraits reveal the respect which Jordi feels for his colleagues and at the same time they are ideal teaching pieces.

The various portraits are written in a free and diverse musical language which is always effective. Certain moments are quite evocative while others are more descriptive and, at times, more energetic. The varied textures and sonic balance are always highly controlled and affecting. However, I would like to emphasize, that although the work could be considered as program music due to its personal nature, the pieces stand apart for their musical quality.

Published by Editorial Boileau, the work was premiered in a student concert which Professor Maria Rosa Ribas organizes each year. Professor Ribas is one of the members of the Piano Department depicted in the musical portraits. The premiere, performed by students of the Conservatory, took place in the Auditorio Eduard Toldra on May 30, 2011.

The Onze retrats [Eleven Portraits] are dedicated respectively to the following professors: Carolina Saldana, Merce Molero, Maria Drets, Montserrat Cabero, Maria Jesus Crespo, Carles Marques, Maria Rosa Ribas, Albada Olaya, Montse Padros, Carme Poch and Mireia Planas.