Mi Corazón

The rich, velvet tones of acclaimed US soprano Ailyn Pérez are perfect for this collection of five heart-melting songs. With just a guitar for accompaniment, Pérez begins with two songs from Manuel de Falla’s Spanish folk-song arrangements, her breathtaking emotional range bringing to vivid life the deep sorrow of “Asturiana” and the haunting intimacy of the lullaby “Nana.” “Estrellita,” a touching portrait of unrequited love, is Mexican composer Manuel Ponce’s best-loved and most beautiful song, while Villa-Lobos’ “Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5” pays homage to Bach, blending the Baroque composer’s exquisite melodic lines with smoldering Brazilian soul. And with Villa-Lobos’ “Melodí­a Sentimental,” Pérez brings her performance to a poignant and gentle close.

*Featured on Apple Music’s The A-List: Classical, Classical Music for Love, The Classical Voice, Women in Classical Music, and Women in Classical: Best of the Year playlists.