Sor: Spanish Guitar Music

On this CD:

1. Fantaisie, for guitar, Op 4
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Raymond Burley

2. Airs from "The Magic Flute" for guitar, Op. 19: No. 1, Marche religieuse
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Raymond Burley

3. Airs from "The Magic Flute" for guitar, Op. 19: No. 2, Fuggite o voi beltá fallace
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Raymond Burley

4. Airs from "The Magic Flute" for guitar, Op. 19: No. 3, Giu fan ritorno i Genÿ amici
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Raymond Burley

5. Airs from "The Magic Flute" for guitar, Op. 19: No. 4, O dolce harmonia
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Raymond Burley

6. Airs from "The Magic Flute" for guitar, Op. 19: No. 5, Se potesse un suono
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Raymond Burley

7. Airs from "The Magic Flute" for guitar, Op. 19: No. 6, Chœr: Grand Isi, grand' Osiri
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Raymond Burley

8. Fantasie Élégiaque for guitar, Op. 59
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Raymond Burley

9. Variations on "Marlborough S'en Va T'en Guerre" for guitar, Op 28
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Raymond Burley

10. Andante & Largo for guitar, Op.3/5
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Raymond Burley

11. Fantasie for guitar, No 1 in C, Op 7
Composed by Fernando Sor
Performed by Raymond Burley

Tracks:

Adagio In G Minor - Dominic Miller
The Deer Hunter - Goran Sollscher
Largo - Eduardo Fernandez
Prelude - John Williams
Apres Un Reve - Steve Erquiaga
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Steve Erquiaga
Courante - Pepe Romero
Torija (Elegia) - Segovia
Andantino - Piu Mosso - Primo Tempo - Julian Bream
Andaluza - Pepe Romero
Granada (Serenata) - Pepe Romero
Bachians Brasileiras No.1 - Alexandre Lagoya
Andante Cantabile - Segovia
Cancion De Cuna - Eduardo Fernandez
Arioso - Steve Erquiaga
Romance D'Amour - Goran Sollscher
Adagio - Christine Pendrill
Qui Tollis - Dominic Miller

Tracks:

Air On A G String - Dominic Miller
Largo - Alexandre Lagoya
Andante Sostenuto - Alexandre Lagoya
La Maja De Goya - Pepe Romero
Romance De Los Pinos - Pepe Romero
Sarabande - John Williams
Sonata, Op.16 - Pepe Romero
Recuerdos De La Alhambra - Eduardo Fernandez
Barcarolle - John Williams
Bourees I & II - John Williams
Sarabande - John Williams
Andante - Alexandre Lagoya
Oriental - Alexandre Lagoya
Cantabile - Alexandre Lagoya
Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Alexandre Lagoya
Andante - Alexandre Lagoya
Canzone In E Minor - Alexandre Lagoya
Sicilienne - Steve Erquiaga
Clair De Lune - Alexandre Lagoya

Customer Reviews:

relation through beautiful music.......2005-10-02

This is arguably the most relaxing music anywhere. It is lovely to take a nap to, fall asleep to..... use your imagination to......

A Great Find!.......2004-08-02

These are wonderful cds. They include Andres Segovia,Julian Bream, John Williams, Presti/Lagoya and Pepe Romero among other guitarist's. This two cd set has a rare performance of Segovia with the "Symphony Of The Air"performing Boccherini's "Cello Concerto in D". John Williams performing Bach's "Cello Suite In D" at seventeen years old. Also Ida Presti and Alexandre Lagoya performing Debussy's "Clair de Lune" and Granado's "Spanish Dance No.2 The Oriental". Presti/Lagoya's music has long been out of print and to the best of my knowledge this is the first time their music has been available on cd.These cd's have over 2 and a half hours of music and are well worth the money.

Average customer rating:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone
Together, first time
Masters
Very excellent CD.

Together/Julian Bream & John Williams

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Together Again/ Julian Bream & John Williams
Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2
Ultimate Guitar Collection
Baroque Guitar
Bach: Lute Suites

ASIN: B000003FDM
Release Date: 1993-05-25

Tracks:

Suite For Two Guitars: Corant I
Suite For Two Guitars: Alman
Suite For Two Guitars: Corant II
Duo In G, Op. 34: Largo
Duo In G, Op. 34: Rondo
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Cantabile
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Theme and Variations
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Waltz
Cantos de Espana, Op. 232, No. 4: Cordoba
Goyescas: Intermezzo
La vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
Pavane For A Dead Princess
Dolly, Op. 56: Berceuse
Dolly, Op. 56: Mi-a-ou
Dolly, Op. 56: Dolly's Garden
Dolly, Op. 56: Kitty-Valse
Dolly, Op. 56: Tendresse
Dolly, Op. 56: Spanish Dance
Danzas Espanolas, Op. 37, No. 2: Oriental

Customer Reviews:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone.......2006-02-12

Both Julian Bream and John Williams have been two of my favorites when it comes to classical guitar. Having them together on the same album, playing some of my favorite music is more than a treat; it is pure joy.

What I love is the fact that even though both are masters in their own rights, they were able to blend together their individual styles into an ensemble to create a set of moods which enhances the musical experience. All are wonderful, but they saved the best for last, the hauntingly beautiful Spanish Dance No. 2 of Granados. This is music that will have you stopping what you are doing just to listen to it. (If you are listening to this in the car, pull over please!) Although I have heard this piece before done by other greats, in the hands of Bream and Williams, it has been raised to heavenly heights, leaving the listener in a state between tears and great joy.

In summary, if you wish to own just one guitar album in your collection, this would be the one. My greatest regret is that I never had the pleasure of hearing either of them live on stage. The next best thing is this album.

Together, first time.......2002-07-22

Two of the classical guitar's brightest masters together for traditional as well as transcribed works from a number of different composers. Either of the guitarists at their peak (this was recorded in '71 and '78) would have been good enough to amaze you if you are a follower of the guitar and its traditional music, both of them together is something that must be heard. The recording is excellent (ADD - remastered, I believe, in '93) and the selection of music plays to their strengths as individual musicians. To hear these two rivals play together at the same time is enlightening. Essential.

Masters.......1999-06-09

Whoever would like to study or interest in classical guitar must listen to this record. They are the greatest masters.

ALGIN EROZAN

Very excellent CD........1999-04-27

I have heard this CD before, and ordered it from Amazon.com last Wednesday, Overnight shipping. This is Monday night, and it hasn't even shipped yet. Great CD, but go somewhere to buy it if you want it this century!

In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening

Average customer rating:

Never ever to find more graceful play!
Grunting and moaning explained
Great Introduction to Classical Guitar
Excellent collection
Parkening in top form

In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia
Christopher Parkening plays Bach
Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening
Artistry of Christopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso

ASIN: B000002RNK
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Suite espanola: Leyenda
Capricho arabe (Serenata)
Rumores de la Caleta (Malaguena)
Prelude No. 1
Prelude No. 2
Prelude No. 3
Estudio brillante
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Fantasia: Fantasia No. 10
Estudio No. 17 In E Minor
Estudio No. 19 In B Flat
Twelve Etudes: Etude No. 1 in E Minor
Twelve Etudes: Etude No. 11 In E Minor
Vals venezolano No. 3
Four Preludes
Catalonian Song
Romance

Customer Reviews:

Never ever to find more graceful play!.......2007-03-09

The incredible representation and sound Parkening created by the guitar is
sublimity itself. Though I have listened to many a world-famous guitarist,
I have never been so fascinated as by his play. I couldn't but make intimate friends of mine a present of Parkening's CDs like "In the Spanish Style", through which I felt I could show them what real music is like. I never ever imagine I could find more graceful play than that of Christopher Parkening at least in the world of the guitar.

Grunting and moaning explained.......2006-01-03

I met Parkening in 1972, a few years after this album was first released. I asked him about the "groans" that could be heard. He explained that at the time he let his thoughts wander and thought about the future, when some Swiss moron named Peter Gilman would complain about the recording. Absentmindedly, he groaned at the thought of it all. He told me if ever I should meet Peter that I was to apologize.

Peter, sorry about that.

Great Introduction to Classical Guitar.......2005-04-07

My parents had this on vinyl when I was kid. I listened to it a lot in high school when I was listening to a lot of musical styles. This and Parkening's Bach CD are probably my two favorite classical guitar discs.

As a rock/blues/pop guitarist, I've been learning some classical over the last few years. And this disc has been my reference. Parkening's playing is confident and enjoyable. Capricho Arabe stands out as does the Sor studies that he covers.

My only complaint is Leyenda, his performance is less than passionate and the recording doesn't sound EQ'd correctly in a few spots. Other artists have better recordings of this song (John Williams comes to mind).

If you are looking for a great classical guitar CD, this is a great place to start.

Excellent collection.......2004-05-06

This is the album that made me want to take up classical guitar. Great selection of songs, played with incredible feeling and tone. Brilliant performances of Capricho Arabe, Recuerdos and the Villa-Lobos and Ponce Preludes. His rendition of Romance is what every student should strive for. The student (Parkening) has most definitely learned all of his master's (Segovia) lessons and went even further. Still fresh after 25 years of regular listening.

Parkening in top form.......2004-02-28

Christopher Parkening's technical prowess is in full effect here, showing he's truly the ultimate successor to the great Andres Segovia.

I don't know about grunting, but if you listen closely, there is some noticeable sighing from Parkening on a few of the tracks, especially the third. Presumably, he was getting weary from all the work his fingers were getting in playing those immensely complex arrangements. But to go as for as to say it ruins the recording is ludicrous. In fact, the sighing adds to the intimacy and accessibility of the recording. I had always felt distant while listening to a Parkening album because he sounded TOO polished. He plays great here, but to hear his voice, even in its slightest audible sound, adds to the album's charm.

Tracks:

Castles Of Spain: Rumor de copla
Castles Of Spain: Siguenza
Castles Of Spain: Manzanares del real
Castles Of Spain: Romance de los pinos
Castles Of Spain: Turegano
Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
Tonadilla
Suite espanola: Espanoletas
Suite espanola: Rujero y paradetas
Suite espanola: La Minona de Cataluna
Suite espanola: Folias
Suite espanola: Passacalle de la cavalleria de Napoles
Suite espanola: Canarios
Villanesca
Torre bermeja
Estudio sin luz
Remembranza
Suite In D Minor: Preludio
Suite In D Minor: Allegro
Suite In D Minor: Zarabanda
Suite In D Minor: Gabota
Suite In D Minor: Despacio
Suite In D Minor: Giga
Suite catalan: La Filadora
Suite catalan: La Filla del marxant
Suite catalan: La Nit de nadal
Suite catalan: El Noi de la mare

Customer Reviews:

Awesome guitar work.......2007-01-12

Parkening sets the standard for others to compare to. Enjoyable tribute to Segovia. The type of guitar mastery that one can relax to after a hard days work. Enough said.

Have been loving this for over ten years!!.......2003-09-26

I bought this cassette over ten years ago (1992) when I started taking classical guitar lessons. Would listen to it on the way home from work, then had a baby nine years ago and have used it for lullaby music (works like a charm) for afternoon naps and nighttime. Still listen to it in the car when the kids fight and they mellow out instantly.

Finally buying it on CD because I think I wore a spot out on the cassette! I have listened to this masterpiece at least a thousand times and have never, ever tired of this most excellent work of art.

If you are a classical guitar fan, you will absolutely adore every single note played on this album/CD. I promise!! :)

sonic rapture..........2003-06-03

If anyone knows of a better sonically intoxicating cd than this please let me know. Possibly only Julian Bream's unreal 1982 Granados and Albeniz cd would top this one for me. Anyway just thought I would pass this thought along to anyone who may visit here. The tone is absolutely magical on this cd. This is the cd to listen to at night to chill out and get mellow while being enchanted to the max. Peace. I must go on... the tone, the tone. My god the tone.

Not just a tribute.......2001-07-31

Parkening shows how much he learned from Segovia. I have many of these pieces played by the Master. Parkening plays with a similar timbre, simlar dynamics and with a musicality just as deep as Segovia's. IF you like classical guitar you should own this one.

Wonderful, relaxing music.......2001-01-27

This cd will spend much time on my player. It is so lively, yet comforting music to listen to.

Parkening provides wonderful tribute to Segovia with Spanish compositions especially loved by the master, even some of them performed on one his Segovia's guitars.

Tracks:

Trad. Spanish Folk Melody: Sevillanas
Intermezo from Goyescas
Llamada
Sevilla From Suite Espanola
Obbligato on Etude in B Minor
Noche en Malaga
Lagrima (Preludio)
Romantic Prelude
Allegretto From Sonatina In A Major
Prelude No. 3 In A Minor
Suite In D Minor
Cuatro diferencias sobre
Suite Of Six Dances
Three Pavanas
Minuet
Bourree
Gavotte
King Of Denmark's Galliard
Gavotte en rondeau
Espanoleta

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant music by great musicians.......2007-05-09

I got this for my mother for her birthday, and she was thrilled. I listened to it with her, and it's simply delicious music. I recommend this to everyone who enjoys the guitar, Spanish music, and classical music.

The Royal Family of Spanish Guitar.......2007-05-07

Superb. There is just nothing more to say.

Spanish classical guitar.......2007-04-23

If you are in the mood for some beautiful Spanish guitar music than this disc will fill that void. The Romeros have been recording elegant music for years as the gift of guitar playing has been passed down generations. What is especially nice about this disc is that it features a variety of composers major works. The Romeros interpret Issac Albeniz, Enrique Granados, Federico Torroba, Villa-Lobos and Bach amongst many others. Curiously enough, the works of Rodrigo are misssing. To avoid confusion in your buying this disc it is important to note that all the Romeros do not play guitar together on this disc. There is the occasional duet and group performance on guitar but for the most part these are individual solos. The solo guitar of each Romero is enough to capture your attention but it is important to note that Celedonio Romero dominates this disc. The inclosed booklet is very informative and educational regarding the history of each composition; it is nice reading material while you are listening to these early music time pieces. Although the individual pieces are composed by different people there is a flow to the music. This is great music to relax the mind to , perfect for reading or participating in some quite endevor. Recommended for Spanish classical guitar aficionados.

Sumptuous performances!.......2006-03-16

Since their early years this curious ensemble has detached due their impeccable phrasing, sublime expression and admirable phrasing. (We should remind the case of the Abreu brothers in the Seventies as other emblematic example of familiar ensembles) This special circumstance has allowed them to achieve a very high place in guitar' s world.

Their elegant refinement is not wrangled with the sensitive and required mood. They have maintained the perfect balance, becoming an obligated reference every time they release a new album in the market.

His Rodrigo's performances possess that verve so characteristic of the great interpreters. Listening pieces as Madrigal Concerto, the original Concerto for three guitars and the unbeatable performance of Fandango.

This album contains some of the most representative miniaturist pieces of the Spanish repertoire.

So please, don' t think it over and acquire this album that will reward you every time you listen it.

LOS ROMEROS TO PERFORM WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NJ.......2005-12-29

THIS IS A GREAT CD! COME SEE THE LOS ROMEROS THE ROYAL FAMILY OF THE GUITAR PERFORM LIVE WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY ON FEBRUARY 19, 2006, AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 2:00 P.M.

FOR TICKETS: www.edisonsymphony.com and www.statetheatrenj.org

Average customer rating:

The classical heritage

Music of Spain

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009U55QA
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Customer Reviews:

The classical heritage .......2006-04-16

The visible embellishment of this noble instrument was enriched still more by the Spanish composers, who following the traces of his contemporaries. In the case of Fernando Sor, Haydn was his musical guide, where as Aguado, could establish himself with major vehemence, due its particular style, based in the notable right-hand articulation, eschewed the classical patterns, being able to print his own music a flamboyant and refined character.

In the particular case of Fernando Sor, we have a wisdom blending of the counterpoint technique, an evocative mood from his own that, added the well known influence of the Italian composers (Domenico Cimarrosa and Giovanni Batista Pergolesi) and his beloved love for the Operatic genre, allowed him to enrich still more the lyrical possibilities of the guitar. Besides, unlike Nicolo Paganini, for instance fortunately did not transform the guitar in a simple device to show his overwhelming gifts. He used the guitar to play music, on the opposite approach of Paganini who used the music as mere device to play his instrument.

In the guitar genre there has not been most deserved and superb tribute to Mozart that this Variations Op. 9 based on a motive of The most famous Mozart ?s Magic Flute. Loaded of such imaginative freshness and enraptured inspiration you may notice that one of the Variations conserves an undeniable Italian flavor; this is one of the most beloved hidden treasures the guitar can offers us, which raise with special charm in the hands of this formidable soloist.

Aguado on the contrary acquired due his personal state of things, a notable adroitness who excelled by far, to Sor, so his musical approaches rode in opposite directions, trying to exploit at maximum levels the technical possibilities of the instrument.

Julian Bream makes a colossal tribute to both composers in this egregious and golden album.

Average customer rating:

Above All Others
The Great Master, of Masters
THIS GORGEOUS GUITAR MUSIC BEGS FOR LISTENING. . .
beautiful selection of the decca segovia
There's Only One Segovia

The Segovia Collection

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Art of Segovia
Ultimate Guitar Collection
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300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces
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ASIN: B000060O5J
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Amazon.com

The vastly improved sonics which the Deutsche Grammophon production team achieves with its 24/96 remastering of the guitarist's 1952-1969 mono and stereo performances for Decca allow listeners to finally experience the rich tonal palette and intimate nature of Segovia's performance art in a manner commensurate with the fidelity of the original LP releases (minus the edgy digital glare and graininess of the MCA reissues). What emerges is a portrait of the artist as a lightning rod for great composers, such as Manuel Ponce, Federico Torroba, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Isaac Albéniz, and Enrique Granados, all of whom enriched the 20th-century repertoire of solo and chamber works by custom-crafting works for this innovative guitarist (Segovia's interpretation of Joaquín Rodrigo's "Fandango" is a paradigm for his role in popularizing the modern Spanish idiom). Likewise, Segovias's work as an arranger in recasting baroque and medieval works for modern guitar, as well as his deep affection for 19th-century masters of the instrument such as Dionisio Aguado and Fernando Sor, shines forth on discs two and three. However, it is Segovia's romantic touch in transposing Bach's Partitas for Solo Violin--as on his virtuoso turns on the "Chaconne in D Minor"--that best illustrate his poetic conception of the instrument. --Chip Stern

Customer Reviews:

Above All Others.......2006-10-16

John Williams, David Russell, Christopher Parkening, Julian Bream, et. al. all owe a great deal to this now departed giant. If you own ANY classical guitar recordings, you should purchase this collection. It's not only the finest remastering available, but an equisitely fine selection of Segovia's contribution to the genre and the art.

The Great Master, of Masters.......2005-06-28

Andrés Segovia was the great master of classical guitar. This set show us 400 years of music taken for the guitar, he was the first in give the guitar place like a cult instrument in 20th century through his works invaluable transcriptions of several instruments (cello, lute, etc.) of composers like Bach, Dowland, Manuel M. Ponce, Fernando Sor, Tárrega, etc.

The scope from Segovia has leaved footsteps in the great world of classical music, for his research and investigations about it. In this set we can listen pieces like "six pavanas" from the ending Age Middle of Luis Milán, and begginig of Rennasaince like Dowland's songs togheter Roncali Ludovico between others on CD 3.
Also show us the great spanish composer Enrique Granados, Torroba, Sor, icons of guitar music. I Basically bought this cd for "Pavane" 1-6 and that better found it in this GREAT SET. If you're a lover of Classical Music, or classical guitar this one of the greatest set box ever made in any genre!!!.

Andrés Segovia, Marquis of Salobreia, was born near Jaen, Granada, Spain. He became a guitarist against the double opposition of his parents. First, they opposed his learning the guitar and got him cello and piano teachers instead. When he persisted in teaching himself guitar, they opposed his becoming a musician. He sought a guitar teacher at the Granada Institute of Music when he studied there, but found none, so continued learning the instrument on his own. He made his debut at the Centro Artística in Granada at the age of 15. He played so skillfully that he was urged to become a professional soloist. He played in Madrid in 1912, at the Paris Conservatory in 1915, and in Barcelona in 1916, and made a wildly successful tour of South America in 1919. He made his formal debut in Paris on April 7, 1924, in a program which included a new work written for him by Albert Roussel, named Segovia. It was the first of many works which were written for him by distinguished composers, enriching the instrument's repertory as Segovia had elevated its artistic potential. His U.S. debut was at Town Hall, New York, on January 8, 1928.

Being self-taught, his technique was unique. It was, in fact, superior to that which was being taught at the time, and extended the flexibility and expressive possibilities of the instrument. The main difference was in the method of using the right hand for strumming and picking the strings: Segovia's method paid much attention to the means of attack: whether hard parts of the fingers, fleshy parts, or the nails were used; other subtleties that affected the dynamics of the instrument; and an economy of motion that allowed longer and more sustained playing. There were classical guitarists before him, and distinguished ones even when he appeared, but it was not an instrument that was regarded as a serious vehicle for classical music. Segovia personally changed that, and not by accident. No doubt affected by his parents' attitude toward his chosen career, he had a driving desire to make it so. He wrote numerous transcriptions of older music for lute and for the Spanish vihuela. He transcribed music of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Chopin, Handel, and others. He commissioned works by Castelnuovo-Tedesco (notably the great suite Platero and I), Falla, Turina, Tansman, Villa-Lobos, Torroba, Ponce, and Rodrigo, whose Fantasia para un gentilhombre was written for him. His reinstatement of the guitar as a solo instrument was sealed by his becoming one of the great teachers of music history. He established guitar schools or courses at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, Siena, Santiago de Compostela, and the University of California in Berkeley. His students included Alirio Diaz, Oscar Ghilia, and John Williams.

Segovia become one of the great names in classical music, whose mere name was enough to sell out houses worldwide. He received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including the Grand Cross of Isabela and Alfonso, the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society of London, and many honorary degrees. The house where he was born had a commemorative plaque attached to it in 1969 proclaiming him the "leading son of the city." King Juan Carlos of Spain ennobled him as the Marquis of Salobreia in 1981, and in the same year a Segovia International Guitar Competition was established in his honor. He continued to give recitals and concerts until an advanced age, and had the rare opportunity, in 1984, of playing at a gala concert honoring the 75th anniversary of professional debut.

THIS GORGEOUS GUITAR MUSIC BEGS FOR LISTENING. . ........2004-02-24

__________________________________________________________________________________

. . . and I literally begged for this boxed set as a gift a while back and got lucky. The technical quality of the remastering is exquisite - the first 2 CD's especially sound as if you're in a recording studio with the master himself. (disc one includes "Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre" & "Concierto Del Sur" and disc two "Castillos De Espana")

I've found they are now selling the individual CD's separately in the same packaging, so if you're on a limited budget you can collect them at your own speed or limit yourself to those selections you most want. I sincerely recommend them all however and if you buy the boxed set you get the added bonus of an excellent booklet.

There are very few CD's in my collection that I derive as much sheer pleasure listening to. This is indeed a 5 star Segovia collection!

beautiful selection of the decca segovia.......2003-10-02

there probably wasn't a classical guitarist alive in the 1950's and 60's who didn't know by heart all of segovia's decca albums and julian bream's spectacular recordings for rca and westminster. this set will be a stroll down memory lane for everyone with segovia schott editions in the attic, and essential listening for anyone interested in the classical guitar or in discovering a genuine musical genius -- the equal on his instrument of casals, rubenstein or heifitz on theirs.

segovia literally created the 20th century classical guitar out of an instrument with a cachet not far above the banjo. the booklet to the boxed set gives a fine overview of segovia's career and recording practice, though omitting many key details. (segovia innovated guitar concerts in large concert halls because he was among the first to use his fingernails, rather than bare fingertips, to pluck the strings, and pushed guitar makers to build larger, brighter and more sonorous instruments.)

each of the 4 separately cased cds generously samples (up to 80 minutes each) from (1) the guitar concerto; (2) 20th century compositions dedicated to segovia; (3) pieces for lute, vihuela and 19th century guitar, with some albeniz transcriptions thrown in; and (4) segovia's transcriptions of pieces by j.s. bach.

the digital sound in these recordings (almost all from the 1950's) is really superb, giving contour to every detail of the master tapes. it also reveals the changing recording standards of the early lp: though the sound is consistently vivid and balanced, the guitar is sometimes distant and echoy (a "tile bathroom" sound characteristic of the earliest lp's), or intimate but slightly muffled, or bright and contrasty with a hint of added reverb at the top. i was a little taken aback by the uneven dynamics and nail clatter that i hadn't noticed years ago in segovia's playing: modern recording and performance practice have changed expectations toward a more homogenous and finished sound. but there is a spontaneity, fire, grace, color, imagination and wit in segovia's playing that you won't find anywhere else ... well, excepting julian bream.

it's picky to second guess editorial decisions in a set as generous as this ... but what the heck: i really missed tansman's lovely suite of polish dances ("cavatina"), regretted the absence of a complete sonata or suite by manuel ponce, and would trade the boccherini "guitar" (transcribed cello) concerto for the castelnuovo-tedesco guitar concerto. that said, the performances here of rodrigo's "fantasia para un gentilhombre" and ponce's "concerto del sur" are among the best available, and the generous sampling sor etudes will remind all us graying guitarists of the many happy hours we spent practicing these pieces from the only edition then available -- segovia's own.

deutsche grammaphon has also released a 2-cd set of segovia recordings ("the art of andres segovia"), which duplicates only four pieces from this 4-cd boxed set, and veers more toward colorful transcriptions and single movement selections from longer works. together they make a 6 cd collection of many of the finest recordings by the man who started it all, spawned thousands of heirs and imitators -- and set the bar for them very, very high.

There's Only One Segovia.......2002-07-19

This is the PERFECT retrospective boxed set. DG has outdone itself with this career retrospective of Spanish classical guitar legend Andres Segovia. The set was released on the 15th anniversary of Segovia's death in 1987. From the famous "Fantasia para un gentilhombre" to transcriptions of J.S. Bach for the guitar, all four CDs showcase nothing but the genius of Segovia. The remastered DG recordings sound terrific and the accompanying booklet, complete with photographs from throughout the master's life in Spain, is excellent. If you love Spanish classical guitar and adore the 19th-Century romantic style of playing championed by Segovia, buy this set. You won't be disappointed. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

More of the Most Relaxing Guitar Music in the Universe

Average customer rating:

I rate this a perfect 10 **********

More of the Most Relaxing Guitar Music in the Universe

Manufacturer: Savoy Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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Most Relaxing Guitar Music in the Universe
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Jazz Guitar Music in the Universe
The Most Relaxing Jazz Standards in the Universe

ASIN: B000AQ69OU
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Introduction Et Variation Sur L'Air 'Que Ne Suis-Je FougereI' Op.26 - Sor
Cinq Preludes Pour Guitare No.4 - Villa-Lobos
Variations Sur Un Theme De Django Reinhardt - Brouwer
Die Post - Schubert
Cinq Preludes Pour Guitare No.2 - Villa-Lobos
Cancion Del Emperador - Narvaez
Pavanas - Sanz
Quartet No.7 III. Adagio Cantabile Sostenuto For Violin, Viola, Cello & Gutar - Paganini
Studio In A Major, Op.6 No.12 Andante - Sor
Lagrima - Tarrega
Granada, Op.47 No.1 - Albeniz
Danza - Moreno-Torroba
Baden Jazz Suite 'Hommage A Baden Powell' III. Berceuse - Jirmal
When The Fire Burns Low - Towner
A Song Of Early Spring - Arr. Takemitsu

Tracks:

Danza Espanola - Granados
Douze Etudes Pour Guitare No.8 Modere - Villa-Lobos
Reverie, Op.53 No.1 Andante Sostenuto - Coste
Lecon In E Major, Op.31 No.23 Mouvment De Priere Religieuse - Sor
Cinq PreludesPour Guitare No.1 - Villa-Lobos
Andante Extrait De La Fantasie Symphonique De L'Auteur, Op.38 - Coste
Nocturno - Moreno-Torroba
7 Diferenias Sobre 'Guardame Las Vacas' - Narvaez
Cinq Preludes Pour Guitare No.5 - Villa-Lobos
Quartet No.1 In A Minor II. Andantino For Violin, Cello & Guitar - Paganini
El Testmento D' Amelia - Folksong Of Catalan/Arr. Lobet
Terzetto In D Major 1. Allegro For Violin, Cell & Guitar - Paganini
Valse In E Major - Sor
Cinq Preludes Pour Guitare Ne.3 - Villa-Lobos
Londonderry Air - Arr. Takemitsu

Customer Reviews:

I rate this a perfect 10 **********.......2006-02-25

A Classical guitarist and collector of the genre, I can only rave about this cd. I purchased several of these cd's for my close friends and family. The two Paganini pieces are awsome.
Hopefully, Denon will produce more of the same. This time they supply the names of their artists. Well Done! Bravo!

Average customer rating:

Outstanding music and great value!!
Excellent
Very Highly Recommended

Guitarra española

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Bach J.S.: Works For Lute [Germany]
Romance D'Amour
Tárrega: Recuerdos De La Alhambra; Lágrima; Danza mora; Etc. [Germany]
Malagueña: Spanish Guitar Music
Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra

ASIN: B0000B09Z5
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding music and great value!!.......2006-04-02

Narciso Yepes is my favorite classical guitarist. I was delighted to hear a couple guitar concertos I had never heard before. Ohana, Bacarisse, and Ruiz-Pipo were great discoveries. Again, Yepes is the BEST. Strongly recommended.

Excellent.......2005-08-22

The late Narciso Yepes is perhaps my favorite guitarist- Spanish or otherwse. With each of his recordings there is the sense of a madman, master, and poet at one with his instrument. I recently purchased "Guitarra espagnola" and have found endless enjoyment listening critically and as background while I work. This is the perfect "not background music" background music to play when you have guests. You and your guests will find yourself withdrawing from lively conversations to enjoy a poignant, sweet, or sinister moment with the music. This is a compilation of recordings from the past 20 to 30 years. The compositions span from the 17th to 20th century. The quality of the recordings is very good but at times varied. The availability of the compilation is very limited. Get it while you can! I also recommend Alirio Diaz and John Williams.

Very Highly Recommended.......2004-05-08

I cannot recommend this retrospective of just a small amount of Yepes's work highly enough.

No matter what popular and lay opinions may be about Williams, Bream, Segovia, and others, the greatest classical guitarist of the 20th century was Narciso Yepes. It is a pity and a shame that the fear of the older generation of guitarists and their associates made Yepes a marginal figure.

He was a consummate technician and a knowledgeable interpreter of all musical idioms from the Middle Ages through to the height of the 20th Century avant-garde. His playing was characterized by intelligence, sensibility, clarity, power, majesty, poetry, and a devilish ability to separate and sustain contrapuntal lines.

In this box of 5 CDs you will find the definitive performance of Rodrigo's now famous "Aranjuez" concerto, which, incidentally, was first recorded and made famous by Yepes. There are also 2 CDs with rare concertos by Salvador Bacarisse, Antonio Ruiz-Pipo, and Maurice Ohana.

The other 3 CD's contain generally the best performances of the canon of solo guitar works that you are likely to find. The composers include Sanz, Mudarra, Narvaez, Soler, Sor, Albeniz, Granados, Tarrega, De Falla, Turina, Bacarisse, Rodrigo, Llobet, Pujol, Moreno Torroba, Montsalvatge, Ohana, and Ruiz-Pipo.

Every guitarist and every lover of the instrument should own this set. If it is not available, also refer to a similar box set with the ASIN number B00006L6RN or another B000026ZRL.

Average customer rating:

Best five bucks you'll ever spend on a classical guitar CD
Pleasing but not perfect
Not what I was looking for
Remastered...and Rediscovered
Hauntingly beautiful

Malagueña: Spanish Guitar Music

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Spanish Guitar Music
Tárrega: Recuerdos De La Alhambra; Lágrima; Danza mora; Etc. [Germany]
Romance D'Amour
Sor, Aguado, Tárrega: 19th Century Guitar Favourites
Villa-Lobos: Complete Music for Solo Guitar

ASIN: B00004Z33R
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

Malaguena (Transcr: N. Yepes)
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Marieta: Mazurka
Capricho arabe - Serenata
Tango
En los trigales
Concion y danza No. 1
Inroduction And Variations On A Theme By Mozart, Op. 9
Suite Espanola (Arr: N. Yepes): Espanoletas
Suite Espanola (Arr: N. Yepes): Gallarda y Villano
Suite Espanola (Arr: N. Yepes): Danza de las hachas
Suite Espanola (Arr: N. Yepes): Rujero y Paradetas
Suite Espanola (Arr: N. Yepes): Zarabanda al ayre espanol
Suite Espanola (Arr: N. Yepes): Passacalle
Suite Espanola (Arr: N. Yepes): Folias
Suite Espanola (Arr: N. Yepes): La Minona de Cataluna
Suite Espanola (Arr: N. Yepes): Canarios
Fantasia que contrahaze la harpa en la manera de Ludovico
Sonata In E Major
Suite espanola: 5. Asturias. Leyenda
Danza espanola No. 4: Villanesca (Transcr.: N. Yepes)
El sombrero de tres picos: Danza del molinero. Farruca
Romance (From The Film 'Forbidden Games')

Customer Reviews:

Best five bucks you'll ever spend on a classical guitar CD.......2007-04-06

I can't help but think that because it's five dollars some people have to get snobby about this collection. In my humble opinion the recordings of "Malaguena," "Capricho Arabe," "En Los Trigales," and "Introduction, Theme, & Variations on a Theme From Mozart" are the standard by which all others should be judged. And nobody else can touch his interpretation of Granados' "Villanesca." Except perhaps for Manuel Barrueco, but the way Narciso uses harmonics for the pedal tone is something that feels so natural, you can't listen to a fretted version ever again w/o wishing it was done in harmonics! The rest of the album is typical Narciso. Amazing dynamics and phrasing with flawless technical execution. I don't really believe that anyone else in the history of classical guitar has been able to carry a counterpoint with such defined independence. A true 20th century master. His tone may be a bit on the treble side for "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" but why even play that after Pepe put his mark on it? ;)
This collection is nearly identical to a cassette tape I used to own 20 some odd years ago except that "Rumores de la Caleta" and perhaps one or two others are not included with this compilation.

Pleasing but not perfect.......2007-02-14

This CD is packed with the classics and must hear of classical music. There are some pieces I wouldnt have included and others that I would have, but overall it's in my #3 rotation.

Not what I was looking for .......2007-01-09

I was looking for the "old" guitar version on Malaguena that I have heard several times before. I didn't recognize this version.

Remastered...and Rediscovered.......2006-12-24

There are two CD's available with this exact same program; this one has an "ambient surround imaging" applied to it, which is a pleasant effect on a surround sound system. Yepes' guitar sounds a bit recessed, but the tape hiss that was present on his budget-label LP recordings that I have is virtually gone. The dynamics have also been improved. At this price, it's a great buy, and a nice introduction to the Spanish guitar from a true master.

Hauntingly beautiful.......2001-08-20

Something to listen to when you are on a long flight and missing the new lover you left behind. Just simply beautiful music.......

Music Track: