Composer and guitarist Ernesto Cordero (born in 1946 in New York and raised in Puerto Rico) has composed a large rich catalogue distinguished by its Caribbean flavor. To date, there are more than fifty recordings of Cordero’s works. Although now generally known only as a composer, the New York Times highly acclaimed his January 1978 Carnegie Hall debut as a guitarist and as a composer: “His technique is impeccable… The colorist variety of his playing is also extensive… a beguiling sensuous wash of sound”. Of Cordero’s compositions, the New York Times review said, “...like Mr. Cordero’s performances they projected a healthy combination of skill, sensitive invention and sound musical effect”. Artek’s Two Puerto Rican Cantatas features a number of talented, prominent as well as up-and-coming Puerto Rican musicians, including rapper Welmo Romero, guitarist Carlos Rodríguez Quirós, tenor Joel Prieto and bass Ricardo L Lugo. Commissioned by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture as part of the celebration of its 50th anniversary, Estampas criollas (2005) received its successful premiere at that time.
