Enlaces explores the musical compositions of Venezuelan composer Carlos Alberto Ocando over the past two decades to the present day. Carlos’s music evokes spaces and emotions, at moments overstimulating and sparse at others. Like life, the music is in constant movement, navigating its binary nature, full and empty, consonance and dissonance, sound and space, inner-self and the outside world, now and next. It creates an organic experience that allows listeners to find their own meanings as the sonic narrative progresses.
At its core, the album presents Carlos’s compositions for clarinet; Carmen Borregales’s dedication to an interpretation that is both expressive and unfettered eschews rigid esthetic frameworks. Further, her interpretation unveils a rich internal landscape- a complex spectrum of elements from mystical solos that play with tonal tension to conversational duos and a forceful dystopian trio. Each composition presents the audience with compelling emotional expression that has both character and depth.
In addition, Enlaces presents five early guitar compositions by Carlos, interpreted by Richard Arellano Paez. Guitar is Carlos’s first instrument and these pieces offer listeners a glimpse into the origins of his formal musical journey, giving us the most genuine expression of his emotional cadence.
The album ends with Carmen playing and Carlos singing a tune made for his son Andrés. In his interpretation, Carlos plays the Venezuelan Cuatro while standing at a public school hallway where he teaches music. We can hear kids in the background. Carlos dedicates his life to music, passing his knowledge and craft to future generations.
All musicians in this recording are Venezuelan musicians. Carmen Borregales (Clarinet), Richard Arellano Paez (Guitar), Eva Moreno (Flute), Claudio Olivera (Piano), and Leonor Falcón (Viola). Enlaces extends an open invitation to the audience to imagine their own meanings and narratives when experiencing the work of this emerging composer.
The album was recorded in NY USA, Caracas VZLA, Barcelona SP between February and July 2024.
