A Selection Of Classical Favorites by Josu Gallastegui – A Little Gem That Sneaks Up on You
Alright, let’s talk about A Selection Of Classical Favorites by Josu Gallastegui. If you’re into classical music but don’t wanna feel like you’re sitting in some stuffy concert hall clutching a monocle, this might just be your jam. Released under Sugal Records (shoutout to them for keeping it classy), this album feels like someone took all the fancy parts of classical music and gave ‘em a little American twist—because yeah, it’s from the US.
Now, I gotta say, when I first pressed play, I wasn’t expecting much. Like, c’mon, track titles like “Plie” and “Degage”? Sounds more like instructions for ballet class than something I’d crank up while driving. But here’s the thing—it sneaks up on ya. By the time I got to “Slow Tendu,” my brain was doing somersaults. The piece is slow, sure, but there’s this delicate tension that builds without ever letting go. It’s kinda hypnotic, like watching raindrops race down a windowpane. And then BOOM—a flourish of strings comes outta nowhere, and suddenly you're not just listening anymore; you're feeling. Yeah, that one stuck with me.
Another standout? Oh man, “Fast Degage.” Don’t let the name fool ya—this isn’t your grandma’s tea party tune. It’s brisk, sharp, and has these quick little runs that sound like they’re daring each other to keep up. Every note feels intentional, like Gallastegui knew exactly how to make your pulse race without throwing everything at you all at once. There were moments where I caught myself nodding along like, "Oh, so THIS is what refined energy sounds like."
Here’s the kicker though: as polished as the whole thing is, it doesn’t try too hard to impress you. It’s not flashy or over-the-top. Instead, it’s like hanging out with an old friend who knows how to tell a good story without needing fireworks to get your attention. And honestly? That’s rare in today’s world of loud-and-proud albums.
But here’s the real kicker—the kind of thought that hits you after the last note fades away: What if Josu Gallastegui secretly moonlights as a ballet instructor? No, seriously. These tracks feel like they could soundtrack a dancer’s entire routine, start to finish. Makes me wonder if he had pointe shoes in mind while composing. Or maybe he just really likes saying “port de bras.”
Anyway, whether you’re a die-hard classical fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, give this album a spin. It won’t change your life overnight, but it’ll definitely sneak its way into your playlist rotation. And hey, isn’t that what great music’s supposed to do?
