The Segovia Collection, Vol. 5: Five Centuries of the Spanish Guitar

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
When Segovia first began playing guitar at the beginning of the 20th century, the instrument was regarded with some suspicion in Spanish music circles as belonging to the "lower classes" of society, at least compared to the Spanish lute, or vihuela. So Segovia had something to prove when he began playing the great classics of the Spanish Baroque vihuela composers on the guitar, and his conviction certainly comes across in this excellent recital. As many of his other recordings demonstrate, Segovia really responded to Baroque music's intricacy, style, and wit. If fact, much of this music was almost completely unknown until Segovia got his hands on it, and we can all be thankful that he did. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Pavana No. 1
Pavana No. 6
Pavana No. 3
Pavana No. 5
Pavana No. 2
Pavana No. 4
Cancion Del Emperador
Variations On 'Guardame Las Vacas'
Gallardas
Espanoletta
Minuet In E, Op. 32
Minuet In G
Minuet In E, Op. 11, No. 10
Variations On A Theme By Mozart
Romanza De Los Pinos
Spanish Dance In E Minor
Anta
Prbulo And Sardana
Suite Compostelana: I. Preludio
Suite Compostelana: II. Coral
Suite Compostelana: III. Cuna
Suite Compostelana: IV. Recitativo
Suite Compostelana: V. Cancion
Suite Compostelana: VI. Muneira
Nana
Intermezzo

Amazon.com essential recording

When Segovia first began playing guitar at the beginning of the 20th century, the instrument was regarded with some suspicion in Spanish music circles as belonging to the "lower classes" of society, at least compared to the Spanish lute, or vihuela. So Segovia had something to prove when he began playing the great classics of the Spanish Baroque vihuela composers on the guitar, and his conviction certainly comes across in this excellent recital. As many of his other recordings demonstrate, Segovia really responded to Baroque music's intricacy, style, and wit. If fact, much of this music was almost completely unknown until Segovia got his hands on it, and we can all be thankful that he did. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 centuries of Spanish guitar and 2 decades of Segovia..........2003-11-10

Andrés Segovia never disappoints. His playing is impeccable and evokes emotions and feelings that others only seem able to touch upon. This CD spans a vast array of Spanish guitar music history, from the 16th century compositions by Luis Milán to the 20th century works of María Esteban de Valera. The recordings themselves date from 1956 to 1968, with a mixture of mono and stereo. Not a single dud fouls the brew. The quality of the songs and recordings never wavers from astounding. 68 minutes of history, amazing guitar playing, and singular interpretation. One of the best volumes of the Segovia collection, along with one of the best covers (an aged Segovia in an idyllic setting by mountains and water). If guitar even vaguely interests you, buy this collection.

A perfect portrait of a superb musician.......2001-03-08

This compilation involves compositions from spanish baroque and renaissance periods to the first half of 20th century. I like particularly ancient compositions, such as those from Luis de Narváez and Luis Milan, and when this CD reached my hands (the very first Segovia album I got),I discovered a superb performance of Granados' Spanish Dance No. 5 in E. I must confess I've never heard such an emotive tune for that work anymore. Without derating any guitar player, no one could get the spanish mood of this particular piece than Maestro Segovia. A highly recommendable albm for those spanish guitar lovers.

Great For Neophytes And Aficionados Alike.......2000-09-20

Volume Five of the Segovia Collection, "Five Centuries Of The Spanish Guitar," is a great place for rock and even jazz/blues fans to get into classical. First, it's a solo guitar album, so whether you're a fan of Eric Clapton, B.B. King or Wes Montgomery, it will sound familiar and you will undoubtedly appreciate Segovia's virtuosity. Second, as the title indicates, the disc covers compositions spanning nearly five hundred years, so you can get your feet wet in styles ranging from Baroque to Modern 20th Century. I personally found the 20th Century pieces by Granados, Cassado, Mompou, and Valera quite accessible, originally coming from a rock and jazz background, and they started me on the road to discover other Segovia volumes. Third, the music played is of Segovia's native country, which will appeal to music fans who enjoy authentic "wporld music" recordings. Finally, while this is a compilation of recordings, it is the definitive CD of this material. There is nothing worse than getting into jazz, classical or another type of music that is new to you, buying a greatest hits-type disc, then having to replace it with the original recording when you discover it's something you like. But enough for the neophytes, this recording is also essential for advanced classical listeners. Much of this material would not be known today, particularly the Milan and Narvaez, had it not been for Segovia's recordings. Speaking of which, the quality of these recordings is excellent - all are in stereo, with the exception of three mono tracks from '52 and '56 which sound terrific (no noticeable hiss or distortion). In all, this is a fantastic recording for the classical neophyte and aficionado alike.

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