Alberto Ginastera

The Profile

Alberto Ginastera (1916–1983) was an Argentine composer whose music evolved from “objective nationalism” through “subjective nationalism” to a later neo‑expressionist idiom. He wrote ballets (Panambí, Estancia), orchestral works (Variaciones concertantes), concertos (harp, piano, violin), string quartets, and operas (Don Rodrigo, Bomarzo, Beatrix Cenci).

Born 11 April 1916 in Buenos Aires; died 25 June 1983 in Geneva. Defined three stylistic periods: Objective Nationalism, Subjective Nationalism, Neo‑Expressionism. Taught Astor Piazzolla. Married cellist Aurora Nátola.

One review praises a 2001 recording of Ginastera’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 with Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Julio Malaval, and Dora De Marinis. It highlights Ginastera’s shift from Objective/Subjective Nationalism to a later neo‑expressionist language, noting serialism, polytonality, aleatory elements, and extreme pianistic demands. The Second Concerto’s Beethoven‑chord variations and orchestral–piano exchanges are emphasized. The critic places Ginastera among major 20th‑century figures.