Paul Basler

"My initial introduction to Gabriel's poetry was in 2000 when I was commissioned by the Edinburg North High School Choir (Texas) to write them a work based on a Spanish text. I asked the choir to select the poem and they chose Gabriel's Portones Abiertos y Rostros Brillantes (which later became part of Cantos Alegres). I was immediately struck but the incredible imagery of the poetry as well as the obvious joy in life, nature, and love that is so present in Gabriel's work. From that point, I knew that I had found the perfect artist with which to collaborate.

Embrace Creation was commissioned by the Tennessee Tech University Department of Music. It uses 4 of Gabriel's poems in a one movement work (10 minutes long). This world premiere performance will be unique in the fact that Gabriel will be present at the performance and an active participant in the rehearsals before the concert.

Several of our works have now become popular and standard pieces in the choral world: Adorable flujo, Portones Abiertos y Rostros Brillantes, El Dia es Hoy, and Amor que une con Amor Grandisimo. They have been performed extensively throughout the world by amateur as well as professional ensembles in some of the world's most famous venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Boston's Symphony Hall, the Winchester International Music Festival, among others. The above 4 pieces are published by Walton Music (an affiliate with Hal Leonard Music - the world's largest music publisher). Divine Days is published by Colla Voce Music (a very highly respected and large choral publisher). Many have commented on the perfect blending of poetry and music for the piece's success."

personal communication with Paul Basler

Video: Cantos Alegres

This video uses the images of all the paintings which form "Cantos Alegres". The song is "Adorable Flujo" performed by The Helena Chamber Singers on June 9, 10, 2002.