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The Chronicle Review Corner

While violinist Aisha Syed Castro “may well be one of the most remarkably gifted musicians to come from the Dominican Republic” as the sleeve notes say, this is not an album that requires deep analysis.

Castro has gathered together a programme of pieces that have special meaning for her, from Spanish, Latin or American sources, and the whole is entertaining.

The album opens with a storming performance of West Side Story’s lively America, with I Feel Pretty and Somewhere from the same musical later on the album. A work by the Dominican maestro Rafael Solano follows the opener, more romantic and thoughtful, the energy from the opening piece leaving the listener on a bit of a high and ready to accept whatever Castro plays.

Across the album some pieces sound familiar, Spanish Dance No.5 (Granados, arranged Kreisler) because it’s of a type, Scheherazade Danse Orientale (Rimsky-Korsakov) because it is [familiar]. The closer is a special piece, pianist Martin Labazevitch arranging a medley of hymns that are dear to Castro, including Amazing Grace.

Strong and powerful playing from Castro, a fun album for the listener.