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Program Notes by José Elizondo:
“Limoncello” is a playful title, inspired by thoughts of the
gentle Mediterranean breeze, the sparkling reflection of light on an Italian
fountain, and the bright yellow color of the Italian Limoncello drink, which
evokes the splendid midday sun.
“Limoncello” was written
contemporaneously with “The Dawn of Hope” and “Crepúsculos”
(Twilights), shortly after the composer had lost someone very dear to him.
While “The Dawn of Hope” is about acknowledging the challenges in life, but
using the transforming energy of love and compassion to find hope for the
future, “Limoncello” is associated with healing, particularly the moment when
someone who has experienced great sorrow is able to smile again. And “Crepúsculos” is a meditation about the inexorable passing
of time. Even though “Limoncello” is "sunnier" and brighter than
the other two pieces, it evokes a sense of noble gentleness and tenderness.
The completion of “Limoncello”
coincided with a significant date for the composer, the anniversary of the
day when he met Mexican cellist, author and philanthropist Carlos Prieto, in
1997, at their mutual alma mater: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT). Maestro Prieto has been one of the most profound influences in
Elizondo’s musical career, and to celebrate that anniversary, Elizondo
dedicated this composition to Carlos Prieto.
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