Elena Ortega’s second album, Light after Darkness, is a deeply personal and emotional journey through the labyrinth of human experience. The guitarist masterfully intertwines contemporary and classical repertoire, with works by Juan Erena, Sergio Assad, and Carlo Domeniconi alongside iconic classical pieces by Albéniz and Barrios-Mangoré. It’s a thoughtful exploration of life’s highs and lows, framed in an introspective narrative that speaks to the heart of anyone who’s ever faced uncertainty or sorrow, only to emerge stronger on the other side.
The album opens with ‘Carta a Lucina’ by Juan Erena, a work that immediately establishes the melancholic, reflective mood that pervades the entire project. It’s a longing, heartfelt composition that speaks of lost love and unfulfilled dreams. The mood shifts in ‘Choro da Saudade’, where the sorrow of absence is wrapped in a rhythm as evocative as the Portuguese word “saudade,” which beautifully conveys the bittersweet nature of yearning for something irretrievably lost.
Carlo Domeniconi’s ‘Variations on an Anatolian Folksong’ moves us deeper into a state of disorientation and confusion, capturing that moment in life when we lose our way. But then, like a breath of fresh air, we are led through the gentle serenity of ‘La Serenor’ by Vicente Asencio, where peace and clarity begin to emerge from the struggle. The journey continues with songs like ‘Remembrance’ by Sergio Assad, which poignantly evokes the presence of loved ones lost, before soaring into joy with ‘Sevilla’, a work infused with nostalgia and celebration.
Throughout the album, Elena Ortega’s guitar becomes a voice that speaks directly to the listener’s heart, whether conveying the aching loneliness of ‘Dreams’ or the intimate reflections in ‘Mirándote’. Her expressive playing illuminates each composition, creating a profound emotional connection that transcends mere performance. As the album progresses, we hear the tension of darkness gradually give way to light, culminating in the optimism of ‘Guajira’, which brings joy, connection, and the warmth of shared moments with loved ones.
Light after Darkness, is a compelling reflection on the human condition, a narrative that unfolds through each note. Elena Ortega invites us to walk with her through sorrow, confusion, and joy, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there is always the potential for light.
