Remember When
The songs selected for this CD were used as the main theme for either a movie or a famous show tune. These pieces date from around 1863 with “La Paloma,” one of the most popular songs ever written, to 2010 with “Up,” Academy Award winner for best original score.
It is my hope that this album will help you Remember When (and where) you were when these melodies touched your life; it will be a different time and place for each of us, but hopefully will evoke memories of where and when these melodies first spoke to us.
From Me To You
As many of you may recall, I arrived in the United States in 1989 from Asunción, Paraguay. Initially, I came to study English in a special language program at a large university and was only to stay for four months. However, after receiving a music scholarship I ended up studying piano performance at the University of Kansas.
From Me To You is a special collection of your favorite requests from the evenings we have shared together recorded in a continuous format. This album features among others, Broadway hits, movie soundtracks and what may be the most romantic expression of Latin-style music, the “Bolero.” I have also included an original piece, entitled“My Angel,” because I feel my angel is with me through life’s trying times. From Me To You is my response to your personal favorites. Enjoy!
Reflections on Flora & Fauna
When I started out on my own after completing my degree in music, I was very lonely. I was living in an apartment and thought about getting a cat because they are easy to take care of. But I had a boxer in Paraguay who I missed very much. So instead of a cat, I got twin boxers. I named one Flora because that was the name of one of the first boxers ever brought to America. Fauna was the perfect name for her sister.
In January 1996, circumstances were forcing me to give up Flora and Fauna. This was a very sad time in my life. I composed Reflections on Flora and Fauna while I thought about parting with my dogs. But this story has a happy ending. Instead of parting with my dogs, I parted with my roommate.
Kansas City Christmas
People say every flake of snow is different. And so, we all experience the holiday season in a different way. For me, Christmas in Kansas City means a snowy landscape, a roaring fire, and my two dogs. And of course, music!
This collection of Christmas songs is my way of celebrating the birth of Jesus with you. Whether it be in the sweltering heat of Paraguay, or the cold, windy streets of Kansas, let me accompany you through ten of the most memorable holiday carols ever written. Arranged by yours truly.