Les papillons blancs
5 Pieces, Op. 12
Madrigal tapatio
Valse Caprice on a theme by J. Rosas
3 Danzas indigenas mexicanas (Jaliscienses)
In tempo di minuet
5 Petits morceaux, Op. 3
2 Etudes for Piano
Piano Quartet, Op. 16

Schumannesque in style and character (there's actually a piece titled 'Traumerei' within the 5 Petits morceaux, Op. 3) most of these piano works by Jose Rolon (1876-1945) make their world premiere recording appearance in this new collection featuring Mexican pianist Claudia Corona. Jose Rolon moved to Paris on two occasions to further his musical education, and studied with the likes of Paul Dukas, Moritz Moszkowski and Nadia Boulanger, and also rubbed shoulders with many composers of prominence during the 1920s. On his return to his native Mexico, he assumed many posts within Mexican music education. In a previous review of his Piano Concerto I point out that you would be hard pressed to qualify it as a work from a Mexican composer. The western European influence on his music is omnipresent. As a matter of fact I find the 3 Danzas indigenas mexicanas (Indigenous Mexican Dances) to be the least successful pieces on this recording, almost as if he had forgotten how to compose in his native style. Even his Piano Quartet, Op. 16 here performed by Michael Dinnebier (Violin), Sylvie Altenburger (Viola), Walter-Michael Vollhardt (Cello) and Claudia Corona (Piano), with its highly romantic phrasing and gestures, sounds more like something penned by Brahms, Goetz or Schumann. Listening blindfolded never would you ever guess that this music was conceived by a Mexican composer.

Throughout this 2-Disc set, Claudia Corona's playing is always exemplary. From the highly expressive touches she brings to the beautiful Les papillons blancs to the technical demands of the 2 Etudes for Piano, she has already set the bar high for this music and will now be the gauge by which to compare any future recordings.