This project is the result of the Cavatina Duo’s exploration into their Sephardic Jewish heritage. This release includes five world-premiere recordings of new works written exclusively for the duo. The Cavatina Duo is Spanish flutist Eugenia Moliner and Bosnian guitarist Denis Azabagic.

REVIEW:

Sephardic Journey is the result of a 20-year exploration taken by the Cavatina Duo – the husband and wife team of Bosnian-born guitarist, Denis Azabagic, and Spanish-born flutist, Eugenia Moliner – into their Sephardic Jewish heritage.

From this shared background comes a compelling CD of new works commissioned specifically for the Cavatina Duo, all drawing on traditional Sephardic folk tunes – mostly love songs with their often-dramatic, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) texts – for inspiration.

The recording is infused with gorgeous, evocative melodies, soulful and plaintive laments, lyrical flights of fancy, sultry twists on the tango, startling percussive passages and an exhilarating energy. Azabagic and Moliner are virtuosic, passionate musicians, deftly accompanied by David Cunliffe on cello, Desirée Ruhstrat, violin, and the Avalon String Quartet.

I wholeheartedly recommend joining the Cavatina Duo on their journey.

– The WholeNote [Canada] (Sharna Searle)