Falla: El Sombrero de Tres Picos (The Three-Cornered Hat") / Noches en los Jardines de España ("Nights in the Gardens of Spain")

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The Spanish style of playing this music differs appreciably from the Ravelian opulence we've become accustomed to hearing from our big orchestras. It emphasizes line and edge, the scintillating spikiness of Falla's orchestration, the vigor of his rhythms. While the Orquesta Ciudad de Granada is a smallish group (with a string complement of 11-7-7-6-5), it is precisely the size one would have found playing in the pit for a performance of the ballet. Conductor Josep Pons clearly rehearsed the ensemble within an inch of their lives for this recording, and they play well. Harmonia Mundi captures the proceedings with sound of striking immediacy. --Ted Libbey

Tracks:

Albeniz: Asturias
Albeniz: Tango
Sanz: Canarios
Rodrigo: Fandango
Torroba: Nocturno
Segreras - El Colibri
Albeniz: Sonata in D
De Falla: The Corregidor's Dance
De Falla: Fisherman's Song
De Falla: The Miller's Dance
Torroba: Madronos
La Nit de Nadal
El Noy de la Mare
Granados: Ma Maja de Goya
Abeniz: Cordoba
Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Granados: Spanish Dance No. 5
El Testamen de Amelia
Villa-Lobos: Prelude No. 4 in E Minor
Albeniz: Sevilla
De Falla: Homanaje
Mudarra: Fantasia
Turina: Fandanguillo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music.......2005-09-18

As a sampler, this CD is an excellent introduction both to Spanish classical guitar music and to guitarist John Williams.
The music ranges from Renaissance composers (Sanz, Mudarra) and harmonized folk melodies to standard 20th Century works (Rodrigo, Torroba etc).

John Williams is excellent throughout. The CD is also cheap, and can be used either just for enjoyment, or further to explore other recordings by Williams, the classical guitar repertoire, or other classical guitarists.

As a marketing ploy, it is very effective.

For the collector or classical guitar enthusiast, the chief disadvantages of the CD are duplication of other recordings, and that the way at least some of the works on this CD are listed isn't helpful in telling the listener the set(s) to which these pieces belong and how to find them (e.g. "from ______, Op # "). The font listing the titles and track numbers is small and somewhat hard to read.

However, this CD should attract many listeners and enthusiasts both to the classical guitar, the repertoire, and guitarist John Williams - and I'm all for that.

Over 70 minutes playing time.

Recommended.

The guitar is an orchestra in miniature!.......2005-02-05

This admirable concept belongs to Hector Berlioz and it must not be a surprise the best guitarrists in the story have in common this trademark.

John Williams has always known the delicate equilibrium between the expresiveness and the glamouer. His impresive technique however is not exposed as his prima edonna. He goes directly to the soul of the composer, melts in his spirit and let the music sharp the qith eloquent conviction the composer's demanded atmosphere.

From Granados to Albeniz, from Rodrigo to Agustin Barrios - El indio Mangore -, from Moreno Torroba to Ponce , you will find the warmth, the passion and the Midas touch of this golden guitarrist.

GUITAR MAJESTY.......2004-12-21

John Williams is a true Guitar virtuoso. His repetoire is very extensive and I use his music in my office while I work at my daily office duties. This album is a must for all guitar enthusiasts old or young.

Sweet, sweet music, an essential addition to your collection.......2004-12-07

I originally bought this album three years ago, looking for a good introduction to Spanish guitar music. And this one fits that need perfectly. I still listen to and enjoy it today. I play this for guests at happy hour or dinner for a relaxed atmosphere. At Amazon's current price, this is a great value.

A True Classic.......2004-01-26

This album/cd is extraordinary. All the songs are gorgeous and exciting to listen to. John Williams' interpretation and technique are perfect. After 22 years of listening to it, I still enjoy and appreciate it more every time. I love giving it as a gift.

Average customer rating:

Like a rainy day in a good bookstore
Not "Ultimate", but Wonderful!
Everyone would love this album!
Incredible
One well worth the price of two

Ultimate Guitar Collection

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2
Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces
Baroque Guitar
Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar

ASIN: B00000I9M1
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

Allegro Giusto
Largo
Allegro
Packington's Pound
Greensleeves
Fantasia 'A Fancy'
Canarios
Sonata In D
Leyenda (Asturias)
The Three Cornered Hat: The Millar's Dance
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Choros No.1
Andantino Espressivo
Poco Animato
En Los Trigales
Allegro Con Spirito
Adagio
Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

Mallorca, Op. 202 - Albeniz
Cataluna
Granada
Sevilla
Cadiz
Cordoba
Dedicatoria
La Maja De Goya
Danza Espanola No. 4
Valses Poeticos - Granados
Danza Espanola No. 5 - Granados
Fandango
Passacaglia
Zapateado

Customer Reviews:

Like a rainy day in a good bookstore.......2007-07-10

"Always pleasant, never a false cord." That's what I think each time I listen to this collection. I guess I should be listening more closely, but I find the music and the virtuosity with which it is played to be a springboard to other thoughts and activities. I can read with it in the background, write with it or simply drift into thought. And that is really quite enough for me.

Not "Ultimate", but Wonderful!.......2007-03-29

As good a guitarist as Julian Bream is, one must begin by acknowledging that the title of this 2-CD set containing 32 admittedly seminal pieces written for hand-played strings ( primarily, the lute) is a tad hyperbolistic. An "Ultimate" collection of anything would have to be more complete, by definition, than any two CDs can be and, again, it almost goes without saying that no two people are apt to be in total agreement about what should or should not have been included in any such collection. All caveats considered and aside, this is, indeed, a thoughtfully selected and masterfully performed collection of what is, unarguably, some of the very best classical pieces ever written for the lute. Bream plays some of them on the guitar and others on a renaissance lute - the latter giving a somewhat truer indication of the stylings and musical nuances intended by the various composers. But, even the pieces he plays on the guitar - an instrument that, in it's current form, did not exist when many of the pieces were originally composed - are sensitive and lyrical interpretations that sound as if they MIGHT have been composed for the guitar.

Without spending space here reiterating the specific pieces, their titles and lengths, I will simply list the composers whose works Bream presents so nicely in this collection. They span a range of about five centuries beginning in the time of England's Elizabeth I and spanning the years through to the 20th Century's premier Spanish and Brazilian classical guitar composers. The list reads like a `Whose Who" of classical plucked-string instrument music and of composers whose keyboard compositions work particularly well on the strings of a lute or guitar, and includes;
- John Dowland
- Francis Cutting
- Antonio Vivaldi
- Gaspar Sanz (*)
- Mateo Albeniz (*)
- Manuel de Falla
- Enrique Granados (*)
- Hector Villa-Lobos, and
- Joaquin Rodrigo
(*) = Pieces originally written for keyboard play.

Every classical guitarist has his own recognizable style and approach to the instrument and the material. An experience listener would not confuse Bream's work with that of Andres Segovia, for example: but it is not that one is better than the other. Each, in his own distinctive way, is simply superb. Though the Spanish influence is clearly audible with both musicians, Bream's stylings have a more contemporary lilt and inflection than do those of Segovia; he makes each piece his own. One suspects that each time he plays a piece it comes out differently according to the moment, his mood, the instrument and God knows what else. Segovia, on the other hand, was well known for his constancy once he had found a version of each piece that fully suited his own ear and temperament.
While I am admittedly a Segovia fan, I find Bream's renditions to be noticeably fresher and each infused with an aura of presence in the here-and-now which I find especially enjoyable.

The collection is neither complete not `ultimate', but it is VERY good and well worth having in any collection of classical guitar music. In fact, for audiophiles not familiar with this genre, it is a fair place to begin to develop an ear for and a listener's knowledge of and experience with the classical guitar.

I recommend it highly.

Everyone would love this album!.......2007-01-16

This album is fantastic. Easy to listen to and wonderful background music for working or dinner parties

Incredible.......2005-10-24

This is the leading guitar player of his generation at his best.

He is especially amazing in the second CD, with some of the solo guitar transcriptions of Albeniz. His rendition of Rodrigo's three pieces is also sublime.

I can't imagine anybody buying this cd then regretting it.

One well worth the price of two.......2004-09-25

This two cd set is an odd juxtaposition. The first cd consists of a sampler of Bream's career output - but without (and I believe the omission is disgraceful) any acknowledgement of Bream's significant contribution toward the creation of a truly 20th century concert repertoire for guitar. The second cd is a re-release of his superb early 1980's recording of Albeniz and Granados transcriptions with the added bonus of a sublime interpretation of the "Three Spanish Pieces" by J Rodrigo.

Speaking as a musician I find the selections and the production of the first cd problematic. We get a few of the more lightweight examples of renaissance lute and baroque guitar (but no JS Bach and no (solo) baroque lute work); we get no vihuela repertoire and nothing truly representative of classical period composition. We do have all six movements from two contrasting concertos but the remainder of the cd consists mostly of neo-romantic repertoire from the twentieth century. Worse still, the recording quality is highly variable; for example one of the Villa Lobos pieces sounds as though it was recorded in an indoor swimming complex. Given the cd's title more care should have been taken to better represent Bream's career and musical diversity. In the opinion of one familiar with Bream's output this is a disappointing selection. Well played but not representative of the artist nor the art form.

However the opposite is the case with the second cd. These recordings were made at a time when Bream set out to commit to (then) vinyl, via the guitar, the musical heritage of Spain. Bream here was at the height of his interpretive power - and a fine film documentary also resulted from this endeavour.

The inclusion of the Rodrigo set makes this cd a better buy than the original Albeniz and Granados recording, although those who find this compilation rewarding might perhaps profit from researching Bream's catalogue, and adding the complete recording from which the Rodrigo is sourced (circa 1980-90) to their collection.

As for the Albeniz and Granados Bream offers his own transcriptions. These tread a fine line between fidelity to the piano scores and Bream's concept of what works on the guitar. As a general observation Bream seeks to include significantly more of the original score's textures than do many of his peers (e.g. J Williams, P Romero). At the same time he is not averse to significantly modifying the original (e.g. amongst others 'Granada' and 'Cordoba'). Such a process is part of any transcription but here the results are not only excellent but also personal to Bream, as a result we have further confirmation of the craft of a great performing artist.

Every listener will discover their own favourites and I have more than space allows me to relate. I believe that Bream brings more expression to his performances of the Valses Poeticos by Granados than any other guitarist I have heard, and the Passacaglia by Rodrigo is played with such a sense of a brooding menace that my spine tingles every time I listen to it.

The second cd alone is worth twice the compilation's asking price.

Average customer rating:

A Perfect Gem from so many years ago...STILL Available!
Like Finding An Old Friend
A Sweet Piece of Art Work
Haunting Beauty
Superb

Duets with Spanish Guitar

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Brazilian Soul
Brazilliance, Vol. 1
Spanish Guitar Classics, Volume 2
Brazilliance, Vol. 2
Tango: Laurindo Almeida and Charlie Byrd

ASIN: B000002S1C
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Entr'acte
Bachianas brasileiras No. 5 - Aria
Ronde
Azulao
Prelude In E Minor, Op. 28 No. 4
O Cacador
Pastorale joyeuse
Tes pontos de santo
Tambourin
Boi-Bumba
Sicilienne
Para ninar
Piece en forme de habanera
Maracatu
Pavane pour une Infante defunte
Passarinho esta cantando
Modinha
Serenade For Strings: Waltz
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Cancion
The Three Cornered Hat: Farruca

Customer Reviews:

A Perfect Gem from so many years ago...STILL Available!.......2007-07-18

Wow! I happened to stumble on this listing, and, frankly, had forgotten about it. I was first introduced to this album on LP years and years ago (late 60's?) and quite frankly, it was one of my very favorite albums.

Years passed, and cds came, and it was transferred, and I immediately snapped up a copy of it, again. In these following years, I fear I had completely forgotten about it....shame on me! I am so pleased to know that it is still available, and that I can recommend something that is STILL available to you (which is rare for me to be able to do).

I cannot recommend highly enough that you purchase a copy of this great album to enjoy, over and over again. I guarantee it will become a highlight in your collection. I have taken my copy off the shelf and am listening to it as I type this review. I recommend you go to the little snips above, and listen to # 2, Villa Lobos...that should do it! ~operabruin

Like Finding An Old Friend.......2007-07-14

This album, now in its forty-oddth year, is a treasure. Almeida, Terri, and maybe now also Ruderman have passed on. They were mortals after all. The playing by Almeida and Ruderman just on its own is wonderful, and too magical to be called merely good, or solid, or workman-like. Add the third ingredient of no less than the voice of Salli Terri, and the listener may as well be levitated. Good music takes us perhaps the nearest we can ever get to a ride on a magic carpet. Duets with Spanish Guitar is fine music by a trio of, well, if not genies exactly, flesh and blood beings with extraordinary musical abilities.

A Sweet Piece of Art Work.......2007-05-13

I first heard this recording on vinyl. This CD lives up to the quality first captured in that original recording. Laurindo Almeida requires no review or publicity; he is a legend exceeding Segovia or Montoya. Salli Terri, mezzo-soprano, happily, has no vibrato. When she hits a note, she means it...no wavering somewhere between tones leaving you some subliminal perception of the intended note. She has an absolutely pure, rich voice and a profound comprehension of aesthetics. I have not heard other works by Martin Ruderman, who accompanies on flute, but his skills are notable within this sweet ensemble. A wealth of skill and mastery contained on this tiny CD! I am sure you will be transported.

Haunting Beauty.......2007-03-22

I'm fascinated by the reviews from those who remember this album of long ago. In 1971 my girlfriend and I spent a night in a rustic B&B in Big Sur. The following morning, as we dined on a scrumptious breakfast and the love in each other's eyes, I had to ask the waitress about the music playing in the background. We bought the record as soon as we got home, and I have cherished it ever since. Six additional selections on the CD reissue are almost superfluous. The memories, and the music, are precious.

Superb .......2007-01-08

From beginning to end, I am enthralled by this album. I bought the original LP when it came out over 40 years ago and I also own the CD version. All performers are themselves excellent and they blend wonderfully on a Grammy awarded sound track. The biggest thrill for me is always Salli Terri's Bachianas Brasileiras number five. I have heard many recordings of this Bachianas by the most famous sopranos in the world. Salli Terri's singing of the Bachianas is in a class of its own --absoulutely spine-tingling.

Average customer rating:

LO MEJOR DE LO MEJOR
A Very Fine Compilation

The Essential Falla

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Albéniz: Iberia; Granados: Goyescas
Granados: Spanish Dances
Falla: El Amor Brujo; Sombrero de tres picos; Noches en los jardines de España
Manuel de Falla: Nights in the Gardens of Spain / Isaac Albeniz: Rapsodia Espanola / Joaquin Turina: Rapsodia Sinfonica - Alicia de Larrocha / London Philharmonic Orchestra / Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos
Favourite Spanish Encores

ASIN: B00001X59X
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Tracks:

Love The Magician: Introduction And Scene... In The Cave
Love The Magician: Song Of Suffering Love
Love The Magician: The Spectre... Dance Of Fear
Love The Magician: Magic Circle... Midnight
Love The Magician: Ritual Fire Dance
Love The Magician: Scene
Love The Magician: Song Of The Will-O'-The-Wisp
Love The Magician: Pantomime
Love The Magician: Dance Of The Game Of Love
Love The Magician: Finale: The Bells Of Dawn
Harpsichord Concerto: I. Allegro
Harpsichord Concerto: II. Lento
Harpsichord Concerto: III. Vivace
Homenaje 'Le Tombeau de Claude Debussy'
Psyche
Nights in the Gardens of Spain: I In The Generalife
Nights in the Gardens of Spain: II Distant Dance
Nights in the Gardens of Spain: III In The Gardens Of The Sierra de Cordoba

Tracks:

La Vida breve: Interludio y Danza
Seven Spanish Folk Songs: The Moorish Cloth
Seven Spanish Folk Songs: Seguidilla From Murcia
Seven Spanish Folk Songs: Asturian Song
Seven Spanish Folk Songs: Jota
Seven Spanish Folk Songs: Lullaby
Seven Spanish Folk Songs: Song
Seven Spanish Folk Songs: Polo
Four Spanish Pieces: Aragonesa
Four Spanish Pieces: Cubana
Four Spanish Pieces: Montanesa
Four Spanish Pieces: Andaluza
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 1: Introduction
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 1: Afternoon
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 1: Dance Of The Miller's Wife
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 1: The Grapes
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 2: The Neighbours' Dance
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 2: The Miller's Dance
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 2: The Corregidor's Dance
The Three-Cornered Hat: Part 2: Final Dance

Customer Reviews:

LO MEJOR DE LO MEJOR.......2002-03-29

Una grabacion
magistral de los
clasicos de Manuel de Falla.
Este disco contiene el famoso
"Homage a Debussy" la unica
obra original compuesta para
guitarra por la mano del compositor.
Tremenda grabaccion, como para no
perdersela a ese precio...

A Very Fine Compilation.......2000-05-17

"The Essential Falla" is just that, including all of Manuel de Falla's major works (performed by the likes of Dutoit, Fruhbeck de Burgos and de Larrocha) on these two CDs. Highlights are excellent performances of Falla's three most famous works: "El amor brujo", "Noches en los jardines de Espana" and "El Sombrero de tres picos". The rest of the included music is perhaps less well-know but no less enjoyable. Perhaps the only quibble I have with this CD is the enclusion of the Harpsicord Concerto. While it is an enjoyable piece, it is very much a Stravinsky-esque neo-classical work, and it seems somewhat out of place amongst Falla's other, very Spanish, works. Nonetheless, if you enjoy 20th Century Spanish music, this CD is indeed an essential.

Average customer rating:

Great Guitars
A good mix
Great music CD collection for guitar music listeners
This is a really good choice for your morning music CD
Great music played by great musicians

Mad About Guitars

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mad about Piano
Mad About Violins
Mad About Baroque
Mad about The Classics
Mad About Bach

ASIN: B000001GKH
Release Date: 1993-07-13

Tracks:

Cavatina
Granada
Spanish Dance No. 5
Romance D'Amour
Fantasia For A Gentleman: Adagio
Fantasia For A Gentleman: Danza de las hachas
Malaguena
La Filla Del Marxant
The Three Cornered Hat: The Miller's Dance
Recuerdos de la Alhambra: Andante
Sonata: Presto
Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio
Concierto de Aranjuez: Allegro gentile
Portrait
Sonata, K. 322: Allegro
Greensleeves
Georgia On My Mind
Fugue In G Minor - Bach

Customer Reviews:

Great Guitars.......2007-03-28

A really spectacular show of top guitarists in famous works
I enjoy it often and it inspires me when I write my columns

Leo Blok
(Journalist from the Netherlands)

A good mix.......2006-11-11

A good collection for someone fairly new to classical guitar. I have over 300 guitar recordings, but I still enjoyed this CD - a good one on the road, for example. Nice pieces and performances.

Great music CD collection for guitar music listeners.......2002-03-15

I really understand that there's no music CD could fulfill our satisfaction of music. But it does. I can find most of my favorite guitar classical songs here, and it's very nice listening them: Cavatina (from the Deer Hunter), Romance D'Amour, Recuerdos de la Alhambra, etc. I have several favorites not included in this album: Capricho Arabe-Lagrima-Adelita, and lucky me I have them on my other CDs. Go get this CD!! By buying this 1 CD, you'll have more than half of classical guitars you've ever wanted!

This is a really good choice for your morning music CD.......2001-11-08

There is something about classical guitar that is just so appropriate to background morning music as "Mad About Guitars" will quickly prove to you. Like most people, I am not overly familiar with classical guitar pieces; once you get past "Granada" I certainly could not name another work that I would expect to hear on such an album. The only other familiar pieces are "Greensleeves" and "Georgia on My Mind," and, yes, now that I think of it "Greensleeves" is a guitar piece, but then this album concludes with Bach's Fugue in G. So this collection is certainly going to broaden your horizons in terms of classical guitar. You will also come away with a great appreciation for Giran Sillscher, who plays the guitar on two-thirds of the selections. In fact, "Portrait," was written for Sillscher by Stanley Myers, which is certainly a nice testimonial to his skill. If you have a CD player in your alarm clock, this is an excellent choice for finding a happy home therein.

Great music played by great musicians.......2000-03-20

I think this CD is the best compilation of classical guitar music that's out there. Deutsche Grammophon has done a great job of picking the best pieces and the best players. Buy this CD!

Average customer rating:

Liona Boyd
Liona is the Queen of Classical Guitar Technique?????
GIMME A BREAK!!
Un-F***ing believable
Liona? Please...

The Spanish Album

Manufacturer: Moston Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Passport to Serenity
Highlights
The Romantic Guitar of Liona Boyd
Classically Yours
Baroque Favorites

ASIN: B00000IKTM
Release Date: 1999-04-06

Tracks:

Moorish Dance
Malaguena
Gran Jota De Concierto
Capricho Arabe
The Miller's Dance (Live Recording)
Asturias
Zambra Granadina
Rumores De La Caleta
Granada
Madrilena
Campanas Del Alba
Mallorca (Live Recording)
Granada (Live Recording)

Customer Reviews:

Liona Boyd.......2007-03-26

It's interesting, I think, to note how Miss Boyd's style and technique seem to polarise the current reviews for her album "The Spanish Album". I certainly wasn't aware that Miss Boyd is regarded as "a light weight" in the classical guitar world.

I can only say that as a humble amateur classical guitarist, I remain an avid admirer of her interpretation of several of the standard classics on this album.

Her virtuosity in Gran Jota has already been referred to: may I also single out the sweet expressiveness of her playing in Capricio Arabe (which I suggest cannot be matched by any other modern recording)as well as the fascinating discords in Asturias.

Liona is the Queen of Classical Guitar Technique?????.......2006-01-20

Yes, and I'm Clark Kent, reporter for a small town daily. Liona Boyd achieved her fame through non musical means. As a musician she leaves a great deal to be desired. Her technique is modest. Her interpretive skills are nonexistent. Proclaiming her "queen of classical guitar technique" is only revealing of one's ignorance. I only wish there was a zero star rating.

If you wish to hear the real McCoy I recommend Martha Masters.

GIMME A BREAK!!.......2005-03-01

"music fan" from rochester--the coward can't even sign his name after he trashes Ms. Boyd's phenomenol talent--where's YOUR latest masterpiece?? "don't waste yer ears"--puh-LEEEZ!! AND "VINCES"--my, aren't we SNOOTY! GIMME A BREAK YOU TWO!! LIONA BOYD KICKS NYLON ASS! BUY THIS CD!

Un-F***ing believable.......2004-09-19

I had never heard of this chick until I started Flamenco lessons. All I can say is WOW!!!

Liona? Please..........2001-06-10

Boyd is, in fact, considered a lightweight in the world of classical guitar. Sure, she's sold recordings, but not anything worth listening to. If you're looking for excellent female classical guitarrists, look for Antigoni Goni and Sharon Isbin. Don't waste your ears on Boyd.

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
Similar Items:

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

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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.......

Average customer rating:

you will love forever the music of Manuel de Falla
Increible
hot modern flamenco, great percussion & de falla covers
Magnificent!
A Molotov Cocktail of classical and flamenco-- furious stuff

Interpreta A Manuel De Falla

Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music

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General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Almoraima
Entre Dos Aguas
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Concerto de Aranjuez

ASIN: B000006Y2D
Release Date: 1991-05-13

Tracks:

Danza De Los Vecinos
Danza Ritual Del Fuego
Introduccion Y Pantomima
El Pano Moruno
Danza Del Molinero
Danza
Escena
Cancion Del Fuego Fatuo
Danza Del Terror
Danza De La Molinera

Customer Reviews:

you will love forever the music of Manuel de Falla.......2007-06-11

The first time I listen the music of this compositor, was in this cd,15 years ago, now, I love de Falla, Paco De Lucia, I love Spain, this is the real soul of the spanish people!
Great!

Increible.......2003-01-16

No hay mejor. Esta musica durara por siempre.

hot modern flamenco, great percussion & de falla covers.......2000-12-04

a very nice surprise that will please both guitar purist and the fan of interesting world music. de lucia's acoustic renditions of manuella de falla's classical pieces accompanied by wood percussion intruments really bears no equal.

Magnificent!.......2000-08-21

How anyone can give this absolutely classic and definitive work anything less than 5 stars is a mystery to me. There is universal agreement that Paco de Lucia is the world's greatest flamenco guitarist -- yea, verily, the world's greatest guitarist, period. And this masterpiece of rendering Falla's work is flawless and utterly inspired. Falla would have loved this.

A Molotov Cocktail of classical and flamenco-- furious stuff.......2000-01-31

There's a sense of urgency throughout this album that makes it one of De Lucia's most exhilerating. The effect is achieved by the deft use of percusion and electric bass as well as the intriguing yet cohesive blend of classical and flamenco schools. The music straddles both worlds, giving the songs more suggestiveness and freeedom while at the same time retaining a strong sense of form. De Falla's compositions are tight and fast yet grandiose and ambitious. It's music full of punch and a showcase of sheer relentless inventiveness. Add to this De Lucia's furious playing and one has a hybrid whose influences may be self-evident but whose effect is stunning, to say the least. There's a definite modern sound to this album, although the arrangements themselves are sparse, that gives it a dynamism seldom found in other De Lucia works.

Christopher Parkening with David Brandon ~ Virtuoso Duets

Average customer rating:

"Nothing is more beautiful than a guitar, save perhaps two," ...
Parkening and Brandon Duo

Christopher Parkening with David Brandon ~ Virtuoso Duets

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002RQ9
Release Date: 1990-10-15

Tracks:

La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
El sombrero de tres picos: The Miller's Dance
De los alamos vengo, madre
Ciranda No.1: Terezinha de Jesus
El Paoruno
Danza de la pastora
Danza de la gitana
Song Of The Will - o' - the - wisp From El Amor brujo
Intermezzo From Goyescas
Prelude And Fugue No. 4 In E
Prelude And Fugue No. 4 in E
Hymn Of Christian Joy (Prelude In Classic Style)
Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
Sanctify Us By Thy Goodness
Offertorio
Canon
Four Renaissance Pieces: Le Rossignol
Four Renaissance Pieces: Drewies Accordes
Four Renaissance Pieces: Watkins Ale
Four Renaissance Pieces: La Volta
Berceuse From Dolly Suite
An Old Music Box
Evening Dance

Customer Reviews:

"Nothing is more beautiful than a guitar, save perhaps two," ..........2005-10-24

wrote Frederic Chopin. Those who enjoy classical guitar music find special pleasure in duets. The repertoire for duets is less frequently played, yet offers more possibilities for textural and harmonic effects than solo guitar. In such capable hands as Christopher Parkening and David Brandon, few musical experiences could give greater listening pleasure.

This album is, sadly, no longer in print and thus makes it even more collectable. Please buy this CD before you loose the chance to hear some the most beautifully played classical guitar duets ever recorded.

Parkening and Brandon Duo.......2001-12-14

This duo plays very well; however, the best tracks of this CD are on the Parkening "Great Recordings" double CD. Thus buying that CD would get you the best of this CD plus a lot of other good recordings. The duo's performance of "La Vida Breve," "Intermezzo," and "Evening Dance" are my favorites (and are included on the "Great Recordings" CD).

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