Jason Vieaux

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Here is a guitar disc that brings special delight. The soloist is Jason Vieaux, winner of the 1992 Guitar Foundation of America International Competition, the youngest musician in GFA history to take home the top prize (he was 19 when he did it). He is a brilliant musician, and his mastery is evident on every track of this debut disc. Audiophiles are encouraged to check this recording out as well. The instrument is magnificently present, and the dynamic and tonal gradations Vieaux achieves are registered with breathtaking immediacy; his percussive knocks to the body of the instrument have a particularly startling impact. Every nuance is captured, without undue prominence being given to artifacts like string noise. Vieaux's phenomenal talent and musicality are now a matter of record, and if this CD is any gauge we can expect him to be writing some exciting new pages in the history of the guitar. --Ted Libbey

Jason Vieaux, Music, Agustin Barrios-Mangore, Ian Krouse, Jose Luis Merlin, Jorge Morel, Julian Orbon, Maximo Diego Pujol, Jason Vieaux, Chamber, Chamber Music, Classical, Classical Artists, Guitar Solo

Images of Metheny
Average customer rating:

Exceptional Player/CD

Great work by Vieux

Metheny and Bach don't really mix

Stellar performance!

JASON VIEAUX - GUITARRISTA EXTRAORDINARIO!!!

Images of Metheny

Manufacturer: Azica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Sevilla: The Music of Isaac Albéniz

Metheny / Mehldau

Pat Metheny Group - The Way Up - Live

Parallel Realities Live

Metheny Mehldau Quartet

ASIN: B000BKSJA2
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

Every Day (I Thank You)
Farmer's Trust
Always and Forever
Five Songs in the Form of a Baroque Suite (After Pat Metheny)/Last ...
Five Songs in the Form of a Baroque Suite (After Pat ...)
Five Songs in the Form of a Baroque Suite (After Pat Metheny)/Tell Her
Five Songs in the Form of a Baroque Suite (After Pat Metheny)/Question
Five Songs in the Form of a Baroque Suite (After Pat ...)
Letter from Home
Road to You
In Her Family
Message to a Friend
Bat (Tremolo-Etude)

Customer Reviews:

Exceptional Player/CD .......2007-02-01

Vieaux is an excellent player with gorgeous tone and a sense of phrasing that can't be taught. If he had simply managed to play through these arrangements with the technical elan of which he has such an abundance, this CD would have been an achievement. But he goes far beyond merely placing Metheny's pieces in a solo guitar context; he captures beautifully that profound, almost mystical melancholy that characterizes so much of the playing of the composer of these pieces. Vieaux is a sensitive and creative interpreter of the highest order and this is an exquisite guitar album. Let's hope that other classical guitarists of Vieaux' stature will be inspired to look into the realm of modern jazz for material and that they realize their interpretations as successfully as Vieaux has here.

Great work by Vieux.......2007-01-09

This was a great work by Jason Vieux. I look forward to future offerings, especially reworkings of Metheny.

Metheny and Bach don't really mix.......2006-06-10

Jason Vieaux's Images of Metheny is a very ambitious project for such an established classical guitarist as Vieaux is. To dedicate a whole album to a jazz-fusion-newage musician like Metheny may cause some of his stiffer, conservative, classical-purist fans to question his legitamacy. For the most part, Vieaux works wonders on this recording. Not only does he stay true to the tradition of classical guitar, but also captures the character of Metheny's music and the style that he plays it in. I've always really liked Vieaux's very sensitive approach to the guitar. It seems like so often, guitarists try to impress their audiences with speed and pyrotechnics. Vieaux is different. He has such a light touch and delicate approach to playing the guitar which really reflects his musicality and impresses me far more than the guitarists who insist on playing everything fast. This approach makes his style of playing perfect for an album of Metheny covers. I actually like some of the solo guitar work on this album better than what Metheny himself did on "One Quiet Night." His transcription of "Every Day (I Thank You)" is especially captivating as well as his transcription of "Always and Forever." You can hear the inflection, harmonies and phrasing practically just as Metheny would have played them himself. His "Letter from Home" is beautiful and a very intimate contrast to the classical guitar quartet version recorded by the LAGQ on their "Guitar Heroes" album. "The Road to You" is full of beautiful sonorities and punchy rhythm that scream Metheny. "In Her Family" is incredibly expressive and dynamically exciting. Vieaux's "Message to a Friend" is also very well interpreted.

Where the album falters is when Vieaux tries to transpose Metheny's music into a Baroque context. While he has done something incredibly creative to take new age jazz and make it into a completely different context, it doesn't really work to hear Metheny's music with Baroque ornamentation and rhythmic variations to suggest different styles of Baroque dance. For one who has not heard the original, the music does not sound even sound like Metheny. It really just sounds like Bach with a few really funky chords that are out of the context of Bach's era. Metheny and Baroque mix about as well as oil and water.

However, Metheny's music doesn't always suffer when put into a classical context. "The Bat" is played as a tremolo study and actually works quite well. It doesn't distort Metheny's sound, and actually adds a little bit of Spanish flare as well. What Vieaux has to realize is that much of the time, Metheny's music really just plays itself on a solo classical gutiar and doesn't really need to have anything added to make it "classical." Occasionally, a little bit of classical flare is all that is needed. This album is very solid aside from the Baroque Suite idea, which actually plays quite well, it just isn't really Metheny at all.

Stellar performance!.......2006-03-18

Excellent work for Jason Vieaux. There is huge market for cross-over music, and now Jasaon Vieaux has made it acceptable for even the most rigid of classical musicians to enjoy jazz. These excellent adaptations of Metheny tunes are easily listenable for anyone. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who needs something relaxing in their collection. Excellent repertoire, excellent arrangement, excellent technique, excellent musicianship.

JASON VIEAUX - GUITARRISTA EXTRAORDINARIO!!!.......2006-03-12

Desde que escuche por primera a Jason Vieaux en su grabación debut para el sello Naxos, quede impactado con su sonido y su lirismo interpretativo (cuando jason vieaux hace cantar una línea melódica en una sola cuerda nos regala el sonido más bello, dulce y expresivo que la guitarra puede ofrecer); asimismo su versatilidad musical para abordar variadamente a los autores latinoamericanos.
En las grabaciones posteriores de "Sevilla, la música de Albeniz" (al mismo nivel que Barrueco, Russell, Williams o Bream) y las Sonatas de Manuel Ponce (lejos la mejor grabación que se ha hecho sobre la obra del gran maestro Mexicano)quedo muy claro que más que una promesa ya es un guitarrista consagrado, de elitte, quizas el mejor de su generación.
Por su parte, "Images of Metheny" revela la maduración musical completa de Vieaux, conjugando su gran capacidad técnica e interpretativa con una sorprendente nueva faceta de arreglador. Es increible como a través de una mente musical abierta y una capacidad sorprendente de condensar todo lo aprendido academica y concertisticamete, buscar un nuevo camino y lleva la guitarra a otra dimensión, regalandonos este maravilloso aporte para el repertorio guitarristico, sin dudas.
Conociendo previamente la obra de Metheny, y considerando que esta consebida para guitarra electrica con muchos efectos incorporados y con acompañamiento de otros diversos instrumentos en ese estilo jazzistico particular podemos valorar en su completa dimensión la proeza guitarristica de Vieaux.
La musica original de Metheny es definitivamente espectacular, con su estilo muy sui generis y con todos los recursos efectistas que utiliza es sencillamente conmovedora, sensual, a veces introspectiva, descriptiva, llena de muchas experiencias y con mucho contenido....
y así mismo como ocurre con la música de Bach, Albéniz y Granados, la guitarra es capaz de atarparla y regalarnosla nuevamente con la magia de su lenguaje propio, con su calida e intima sonoridad.
Gracias Path Metheny.
Gracias Jason Vieaux.
Gracias guitarra!!! por seguir revelando los secretos de tu infinita capaciadad musical.

Average customer rating:

Perfect
A sure thing
Los Argentinos y la Guitarra
Great Guitarist
An Amazing Recording.....but listen to his new releases, too

Jason Vieaux

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000148V
Release Date: 1996-12-17

Tracks:

Suite Del Recuerdo: Evocacion
Suite Del Recuerdo: Zamba
Suite Del Recuerdo: Chacarera
Suite Del Recuerdo: Carnavalito - Evocacion - Joropo
Cinco Preludios: #2 Preludio Triston
Cinco Preludios: #3 Tristango En Vos
Cinco Preludios: #5 Candombe En Mi
Preludio Y Danza: Preludio
Preludio Y Danza: Danza
Variations On A Moldavian Harp
Vals Op8, #3
Julia Florida: Barcarola
Vals Op8 #4
Choro
Danza Brasileira
Danza In E Minor
Misionera

Amazon.com

Here is a guitar disc that brings special delight. The soloist is Jason Vieaux, winner of the 1992 Guitar Foundation of America International Competition, the youngest musician in GFA history to take home the top prize (he was 19 when he did it). He is a brilliant musician, and his mastery is evident on every track of this debut disc. Audiophiles are encouraged to check this recording out as well. The instrument is magnificently present, and the dynamic and tonal gradations Vieaux achieves are registered with breathtaking immediacy; his percussive knocks to the body of the instrument have a particularly startling impact. Every nuance is captured, without undue prominence being given to artifacts like string noise. Vieaux's phenomenal talent and musicality are now a matter of record, and if this CD is any gauge we can expect him to be writing some exciting new pages in the history of the guitar. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Perfect.......2006-12-20

Before I bought my own copy, my guitar teacher lent me his copy of this CD, it immediately became my favorite guitar recording. Vieaux's playing is technically brilliant and expressive. And I really enjoyed the selection of music on this CD. I would have to say this CD has had the largest influence on me as a musician than any other CD I have ever listened to since my first Jimi Hendrix CD (which was 16 years ago). I have at this point learned about 9 of the pieces featured on this CD, and there are still a few more I want to learn. The Variations on a Moldavian Hora is the single most impressive piece on the entire CD, and ironically it is the one piece I cannot locate the sheet music for! Other then the Moldavian Hora, the entire selection of guitar pieces are from South American composers. If you enjoy this CD, also check out Ricardo Cobo's Naxos recording "Latin American Guitar Music", which has pieces of music in similiar styles, and by some of the same composers, played with just as much skill. Come to think of it, buy all the Naxos guitar recordings! They are all great, and I plan to own them all!

A sure thing.......2006-09-17

This is, by far, my favorite "new" performer of classical guitar. On this CD, his technique is without flaw. His tone production will bring tears to your eyes. Th eproduction of the CD itself is tremendous. Buy it!

Los Argentinos y la Guitarra.......2005-10-17

Es sorprendente ver como las culturas atravez de los tiempos han acoplado la guitarra a sus diversos estilos y formas musicales, pero pocos lo han hecho tan nostalgicamente bonito
como los Argentinos. Lo que han logrado ha sido un estilo unico,
y tan de ellos como las pampas y los gauchos. Merlin, Morel y Pujol han logrado lo que pocos han hecho en la guitarra clasica, un estilo limpio, puro y nostalgico, pero es una nostalgia que no aburre, una nostalgia que inspira a recordar
verdaderamente creo que en las obras de esta grabaccion
los Argentinos han hecho la guitarra suya. En lo que
se refiere a la obra de Agustin Barrios, "El gran Paraguayo"
tiene un estilo unico, Barrios en su musica explora varios
estilos, en diferentes formas...En general, una magistral
grabaccion de obras Latinoamericanas para la guitarra.
Jason Vieaux hace un formidable trabajo, creo que este
sera unos de los grandes guitarristas del siglo XXI.

Great Guitarist.......2004-12-17

I bought this cd because it was cheap and had a few Morel pieces I was working on at the time. I had no idea who Jason Vieaux was, but I do now. The Merlin Suite is absolutely brilliant. His playing is flawless and inspiring. Great recording quality too. I look forward to hearing more from this young talent.

An Amazing Recording.....but listen to his new releases, too.......2003-11-14

Jason Vieaux, as several other reviewers of this disc have observed, is at the forefront of the next generation of classical guitarists. His musicality is never compromised by a lack of technique (since he seems not to lack anything in technique). The program performed here is very exciting, and shows Vieaux at an extremely high level, especially for someone who at the time was about 20 years old!!! While I implore everyone to acquire this recording, I also have followed Vieaux's career and seen him grow into a far more mature and accomplished player than the one heard in this recording. I highly, HIGHLY, recommend everyone to buy his recordings for the Azica label of the Ponce Guitar Sonatas and "Sevilla - the Music of Isaac Albeniz". If you were impressed with this recording, buy these two and you will experience one of the most musical performances by any classical musician on any instrument!

Average customer rating:

Best Albeniz
Jason Vieaux 's Albeniz CD is masterful
Spanish guitar at its finest
Imaginative Composer & Outstanding Guitarist
Best Guitar Recording (Category: ever)

Sevilla: The Music of Isaac Albéniz
Jason Vieaux
Manufacturer: Azica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Jason Vieaux
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ASIN: B0000AUHQQ
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Customer Reviews:

Best Albeniz .......2007-04-02

I am in agreement with the reviews which ascribe to Mr. Russell the superior technique and to Mr Vieaux the superior interpretation of Albeniz. (At these heights of musical accomplishment, it seems hubristic to dare compare.) So, I add nothing in this regard.

What I do wish to mention is that the liner notes specifically state that reverb is not used in the production process. The recording was done in a cathedral with what the notes refer to as 'dual source recording.' The result, in all respects is remarkably effective.

Albeniz seems to me made for the guitar. These guitar transcriptions transcend the original piano compositions.

Jason Vieaux 's Albeniz CD is masterful.......2005-05-13

Having just raved about David Russell's CD "Legends of Spain," what to say about Jason Vieaux's all-Albeniz CD, Sevilla?

Both CDs are wonderful examples of Spanish classical guitar playing at its best. That Russell has the superior technique seems clear: His technique has to be heard to be believed. But technique is more than physical prowess. It is the ability to utilize technique in the service of bringing out what you want to in the music. It is the combination of touch, variation of tone and color, dynamic shading, and the like - the ability to totally control, sublimate, if you will, one's technique in service to the music.

Jason Vieaux's playing is masterful, his playing intensely poetic and very musical. Each piece seems superbly crafted and realized, the playing drawing you into it seductively. I've rarely heard a guitarist utilize the sounds and capabilities of the instrument as much as Jason Vieaux. Fine as both David Russell and Jason Vieaux are in Albeniz, if I had to choose, I'd take Jason Vieaux.

For other ways of playing Albeniz, try John Williams in his all- Albeniz CD (Sony), Manuel Barrueco in his CD of Albeniz and Turina (EMI), and Julian Bream in his CD of Spanish Music for the Guitar (the Suite Espagnola, Op. 47, BMG/RCA).

The sound in Jason Vieaux's CD is somewhat reverberant and resonant, but not compromising.

Spanish guitar at its finest.......2005-01-04

For me, it is interesting to compare this recording to a similar recording by David Russell ("Reflections of Spain") that readers might also know. These recordings share only a few pieces by Albeniz between them (given that Jason Vieaux, unlike Russell, is playing all Albeniz), but they both speak to the Spanish sensibility in a similar vein.

Starting from a purely objective and clinical viewpoint, Mr. Russell is a technically superior guitarist. He plays with almost no detectable string or finger noise and with a deceptive ease that I have heard in no other player. He also plays a comparatively resonant guitar, giving his sound a remarkable and uniform depth of tone and the illusion of a guitar that is pitched lower than normal; and, he makes maximum use of this sound in all his playing. Also, his recording seems more acoustically "natural." Mr. Vieaux's recording seems to have either added reverb or is made in a much more resonant recording space.

For all of Russell's flawlessness, Vieaux simply stands apart in his brilliant rhythmic and sonic interpretation of the music. Even if his technique lacks the polish of Russell's fluid playing (with string noise not more than most first-rate guitarists), as another reviewer has noted, Vieaux simply "transcends mere technical proficiency" with an utterly focused energy and sensitivity that is uncanny to hear.

The most illustrative work to compare them is Sevilla, which each guitarist has arranged himself from the piano original. Russell plays it ever so cleanly and with what I might call an easy and friendly delivery. Again, his tone is perfectly even, extremely lyrical, and consistent throughout. His transcription is a bit longer than Vieaux's by a minute and a half (not sure exactly how, played at a similar tempo--may be by taking more repeats).

Vieaux, on the other hand, plays with a much richer color palette, using more of the string between the bridge and the finger board to subtly alter the timbre (similar in approach to the remarkable Sharon Isbin of "Dreams of a World"). His voicings are incredibly subtle and his ability to stretch and steal tempo (reaching beyond rubato) without seeming to lose a beat, is breathtaking, especially in the intensely passionate slow middle section of this piece. I can think of no other way to describe his sound and rhythm than pure Spanish in temperament. Even if the recording adds reverb, Vieaux seems able to voice it perfectly (which may indicate the "reverb" is not really that much added). Russell plays this middle section with a pleasant lilt, but with nothing of the hair-trigger angles, and stunning silences that Vieaux weaves through the same piece.

I truly love both players playing, but if I had to choose one, I would take Vieaux's effort without hesitation. Yes, it would be nice if Vieaux could play as flawlessly as Russell, but it might well be that Vieaux could never deliver the expressive range and rich content that he has achieved while attempting to do so.

Imaginative Composer & Outstanding Guitarist.......2004-04-04

With the exception of Bach, Isaac Albeniz probably deserves the most gratitude by classical guitarists for his contributions to the classical guitar repertoire. Even though Albeniz wrote for the piano, many of his compositions sound more appropriate for guitar; furthermore, his works are thematically brilliant and well developed. As with many composers, Albeniz was able to draw upon his country's folk music, including flamenco, for musical ideas and inspiration.

Jason Vieaux, the performer of this collection of fine works, is one of the best classical guitarists today. He gives each piece a beautiful interpretation and tonal quality. I think only a few of the best guitarists exceed Vieaux's performance of certain pieces in this collection: John Williams' stupendous 1969 recording of "Asturias" and "Sevilla" from The Seville Concert; Parkening's exquisite "Rumores de la Caleta;" and Segovia's "Torre Bermeja." But even with the aforementioned pieces, Vieaux gives his own distinct and brilliant touch; moreover, his "Granada," "Tango," and "Cuba" are the best I've ever heard. The only piece I wish Vieaux had included on this CD is "Zambra Granadina." Overall, including the very good recording quality, this is a wonderful CD.

Best Guitar Recording (Category: ever).......2003-12-04

This young man is as much a revelation in this century as Segovia was in the last. The recording team are to be congratulated on bringing listeners into the presence of this superlative artist. Do not miss this amazing recording.

Average customer rating:

One of the best Sor compilations
The perfect player for this composer
Worth adding to the classical guitar collection
Excellent playing of less challenging Sor repertoire
Sor, Complete Guitar Music, Vol. 10

Sor: Complete Guitar Music, Vol. 10

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jason Vieaux
Sor: Introduction & Variations, Opp. 26-28; Douze Etudes, Op. 29; Fantaisie et Variation Brillantes, Op. 30

ASIN: B00000DAJA
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

Six Bagatelles, 'Mes Ennuis' Op. 43: Andante
Six Bagatelles, 'Mes Ennuis' Op. 43: Allegretto
Six Bagatelles, 'Mes Ennuis' Op. 43: Cantabile
Six Bagatelles, 'Mes Ennuis' Op. 43: Mazurka
Six Bagatelles, 'Mes Ennuis' Op. 43: Andante
Six Bagatelles, 'Mes Ennuis' Op. 43: Valse
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andante
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Allegretto
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andantino
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Allegretto moderato
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andantino
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Moderato
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andante allegro
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Allegretto
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andantino
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Allegretto
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andante
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andantino
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Allegretto
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Tempo di minuetto
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andante
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andante
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Cantabile
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Marche
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Allegretto
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andantino
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andante
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Andantino
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Allegro moderato
24 Pieces progressives, Op. 44: Valse
Six Pieces, 'Voyons si c'est ca' Op.45: Andantino
Six Pieces, 'Voyons si c'est ca' Op.45: Allegretto
Six Pieces, 'Voyons si c'est ca' Op.45: Theme and Variations
Six Pieces, 'Voyons si c'est ca' Op.45: Valse
Six Pieces, 'Voyons si c'est ca' Op.45: Andante
Six Pieces, 'Voyons si c'est ca' Op.45: Valse

Customer Reviews:

One of the best Sor compilations.......2007-03-29

Aspiring classical guitarists will find this CD extremely valuable in appreciating Sor's brilliance in composing, and Jason Vieaux's equal brilliance in interpreting these Sor pieces. Although technically the studies in Sor's Opus 44 range from beginner to intermediate in level of difficulty, there's something here for everyone. Beginners can learn just how beautiful the easier pieces can be when played well, and even advanced guitarists can benefit from Vieaux's interpretations. Sor's Opus 43 and 45 are also performed with great passion, making this CD one of the best Sor compilations for the study - and enjoyment - of classical guitar.

The perfect player for this composer.......2005-08-20

The number of classical guitarists who know how to play early 19th century music is vanishingly small. But in this underrated recording, Vieaux proves himself a happy exception. His approach is stylish and tasteful.

Though Spaniard Fernando Sor belongs to Beethoven's generation, he was musically a disciple of Haydn and Mozart. He set himself to raise the standard of music written for the guitar, composing works of richer and fuller harmonic interest than most of his contemporaries. Because of this, his music is deceptively difficult--it should sound easy, but most guitarists founder on the left hand changes and florid ornamentation. Vieaux makes no concession to these difficulties, and plays with lightness and grace.

Curiously, before Vieaux made this recording, he wasn't particularly excited over Sor. But this is a case in which the player found a composer congenial to his strengths and temperament. Vieaux has floated the idea of doing another all-Sor recording for his current label, Azica. If he does, it will show just how good Fernando Sor can be in hands of a sympathetic and imaginative artist.

Worth adding to the classical guitar collection.......2003-09-01

I bought this cd after hearing Jason Vieaux's amazing Naxos recording #553449 . That recording opened my eyes to the fact that classical guitar playing and composing is alive and well. Where as that recording was filled with adventurous compositions and guitar playing with a romantic flair, this Fernando Sor compilation seems quite subdued in comparison. The playing seems more conservative to fit with the spirit of these compositions. There's a simplicity to many of the compositions which I enjoy. Many of them have a meditative quality and a way of transporting me straight to Spain or Mexico to a small village where the beauty of simplicity in living is reflected by the music. Many of the pieces are short problems that Sor worked out for his pupils; so there isn't a great deal of depth in many of these works, but they are worth hearing nonetheless as played by a very talented classical-guitarist.

Excellent playing of less challenging Sor repertoire.......2003-08-18

Not the usual choice of pieces for a player of Jason Vieaux's calibre, but hearing the intermediate level exercises of Sor's Opus 44 played by him is a rewarding experience nonetheless. This also increased my appreciation for Sor's genius in composing relatively simple but listenable classical guitar compositions. Although not the most recorded pieces or the most memorable compositions of the greatest guitar composer ever, this CD is still worth listening to.

Recommended.

Sor, Complete Guitar Music, Vol. 10.......2002-09-12

Jason Vieaux presents these works by Sor with wonderful finesse, restraint and elegance. His technique is impeccable, but beyond that he has a clear understanding of the guitar music of the period and is therefore able to present on the modern guitar Sor's compositions in such a way that the listener can sense the care with which they were no doubt written. He neither overwhelms the studies of Op. 44 -- which many guitarists would consider beneath them in their simple demands, nor understates them. The temptation would have been to just toss them off, but Vieaux has clearly given each piece considerable thought. Possible the best I've heard Sor played, way better than the pedantic Segovia!

Average customer rating:

Heartfelt and immaculate playing
EL MEJOR CD DE LA OBRA DE PONCE PARA GUITARRA!!!
A little mechanical, but worth a listen
Raising the Standards for Classical Guitar
Virtuosity and Musicianship at its highest

Ponce: Guitar Sonatas
Jason Vieaux
Manufacturer: Azica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Customer Reviews:

Heartfelt and immaculate playing.......2006-10-26

When I first started listening to classical guitar, Julian Bream was the one artist who, if he released a new recording, I would buy it without hesitation. With Bream in retirement, my current "must buy" artist is Jason Vieaux. It's difficult to choose between his many fine recordings, but a particular favorite of mine is his 2001 release of Mexican composer Manuel Ponce's guitar sonatas. Vieaux's performances are warm, colorful, and vibrant. His ability to sing a line is second to none. And don't be put off by the idea of a CD entirely devoted to one composer. Two of Ponce's guitar sonatas are homages to other composers--Fernando Sor and Franz Schubert--and Ponce wrote the sonatas in the style of these composers. In fact, he was so successful at composing in other styles that some of his music in the baroque style was for many years misattributed to 18th century composers.

By the way, I'm puzzled by the reviewer who called this recording "a little mechanical." Vieaux is far removed from the many guitarists who are more marksmen than musicians. With all the positive reviews posted about this recording, it's odd that Amazon spotlights a tepid review that overlooks the lyricism so obvious in Vieaux's playing.

In sum, excellent music beautifully played.

EL MEJOR CD DE LA OBRA DE PONCE PARA GUITARRA!!!.......2006-03-12

Por sonido, calidad y personalidad interpretativa - en que se puede reconocer además una profunda afinidad con el compositor y un sólido análisis de la obras, considero que Jason Vieux nos entrega la mejor grabación que se ha realziado sobre la obra para guitarra sola de Ponce. En lo personal me gustó mucho particularmente la sonata nro 3, interpretada con mucho lirismo y fuerza, además técnica y musicalmente perfecta.

A little mechanical, but worth a listen.......2004-09-12

Mr. Vieaux is a great guitarist, especially on the technical end, but he seems to miss some of the expression, nuance and drama that some other players have gotten from these Sonatas (Segovia and Hoppstock especially), and his tempos tend to be on the slow side. But the CD is worth it for the Sonata Classica alone, since there aren't many other recordings of it, and Segovia's was a bit flawed..
Personally, I'd like to hear Vieaux record Eric Sessler's Sonata, since it was written for him.

Raising the Standards for Classical Guitar.......2003-06-16

What an outstanding performance Vieaux has given here! Like my fellow reviewer of this disc, I've heard him play live several times, and his musicianship is on a level that I have not heard matched in the guitar world (except maybe by David Russell). This recording exhibits a wide range of tone colors and stunning musical phrasing. Perhaps the finest aspect of Vieaux's musicality is that he doesn't give away the climax of the piece until it truly is reached - the Sonata Romantica is a great example of this. The subtlety and power of his musicality is something found more in the realm of concert piano, and Jason may be raising the musical standards of the guitar in general. Bravo! One of the finest recordings of classical music I've heard!

Virtuosity and Musicianship at its highest.......2002-12-08

In the world of the classical guitar, there are notable luminaries whose recordings have become almost "de rigeur" for the the guitar afficionado. It's time to add Jason Vieaux's name to the list!

Vieaux's deep understanding of each piece is communicated almost effortlessly (deceivingly so) with a pallet of sonorities that are almost unbelievable. There are suggestions of a solo oboe or flute, the jangle of a harpsichord, and the whispering of an Aeolian harp throughout the CD. Vieaux's concept of phrasing and structure is flawless, and the sound of the CD puts you up-close-and-personal, yet is always natural.

Customer Reviews:

Gary Schocker: "Arioso".......2007-06-22

Gary Schocker has been my musical mentor at a distance for some time. I learned of the Alexander Technique Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique (Clarendon Paperbacks), The Act of Living: Talks on the Alexander Technique, The Alexander Technique through seeing/hearing him in concert and auditing his Master Class. His absolute presence with the music is very compelling. He has a relaxed power (strength), a focus and quiet but active musical attention which I admire - the music appears to flow through him. He is also a very good example of smart "use of the self" - a very efficient use of energy. I saw/heard him first in concert in 1999 or 2000 and I came away wondering what his secret was & how I could learn that secret for myself.

He is paired here with Jason Vieaux on guitar for some relaxed and pleasant sonatas from LeClair, J.S. Bach and Nicholas Chedeville (attributed to Vivaldi), along with the Sinfonia from Bach's Cantata No. 156 known as "Arioso". The guitar accompaniment to these pieces is a pleasant contrast from the usual arrangement, allowing the listener to think of and explore the pieces differently.

The "Arioso" is a beautiful piece from Schocker's own arrangement adapted from the slow movement of the F minor Clavier Concerto BWV 1056. The Chedeville, Sonata in G minor "Il pastor Fido" ("The Faithful Shepherd") -attributed to Vivaldi - offers a lot of contrasts and challenges in lively tempo and musical notation. The opening Vivace - Adagio has a mysterious quality, while the Largo (3rd movement) is quieting and very gentle. The interplay between the flute and guitar in this movement is particularly nice.

For those interested, see the Gary Schocker website. It offers info on upcoming concerts, master class & retreat schedule, discography, as well as a list of original compositions. Gary Schocker's music can be obtained through Theodore Presser.

Average customer rating:

So So

Gary Schocker: Healing Music

Manufacturer: Azica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000I5XEC8
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Customer Reviews:

So So.......2007-05-06

I am disappointed with this music. I am dying and looking for a really soothing music that can help me. Instead, I have an accasionally irritating music that sometime gives me migraine. Dr Jusuf Hariman, BA, BEc, LLB, BA(Hons), MA, MBA, PHD, Hon Psy D

Average customer rating:

Fabulous, Exciting Flute Playing
Classy ( and classic ) flute playing!
a perfect flute performance

History of the Tango

Manufacturer: Azica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Jason Vieaux
Images of Metheny
Sevilla: The Music of Isaac Albéniz
Ponce: Guitar Sonatas
Astor Piazzolla - The Soul Of Tango: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B00008S82G
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

Sonate in D Major: Allegro Con Brio
Sonate in D Major: Andante
Sonate in D Major: Rondo
Rondo in E Minor
Short Pieces: Achat Sha'alti
Short Pieces: Ufaratsta
Histoire du Tango : Bordel 1900 [History of the Tango: Bordel 1900]
Histoire du Tango : Caf930 [History of the Tango: Bordel 1900]
Histoire du Tango : Night-Club 1960 [History of the Tango: Bordel 1900]
Histoire du Tango : Concert d'Aujourd'hul [History of the Tango: Bordel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous, Exciting Flute Playing.......2004-05-21

What seperates Ms. Aaron's playing on this CD from the tens of thousands of 'good' flute players is her all-too-rare sense of sound production, phrasing and enthusiasm. Professional flute players, especially in France and Switzerland where they think they own the flute world, should view this as a must buy.

Classy ( and classic ) flute playing!.......2003-04-03

Solo flutist Martha Aarons has a winner with this cd, played with vitality, virtuosic technique and lovely sound throughout the works by Hummel, F.X.Mozart, Paul Schoenfield and Piazzola. All the tracks are great, best of all is Piazzola's Histoire du Tango, performed with rhythmic pizzazz and sensuality. This is great playing! ( Jean Pierre R., eat your heart out!) Excellent contributions by her colleagues pianist Francis Renzi and guitarist Jason Vieaux.

a perfect flute performance.......2003-04-02

I have often thought that the flute has gotten a bad rap because so many of the orchestra instruments are capable of drowning out even the best flute playing. On this CD Ms. Aarons has shown that the flute can be the most important voice with her amazing musical talent. I was delighted to listen to her beautiful, pure tones. I can't imagine coaxing a better sound out of this instrument. And the tango...what a tantalizing subject. The two musicians who played along, Frances Renzi and Jason Vieaux, blended beautifully with Ms. Aarons. This is the most amazing music, performed by an incredible artist. I am going to follow up to see if I can spot her future work. Meanwhile all of my other CD's are being neglected...I don't want to listen to anything else!