Turina: Works for guitar

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Spanish composer Joaquin Turina isn't best known as a composer of guitar music--he wrote great piano and orchestral music, too--but this is some of his best work. Along with the occasional constructive criticism from Segovia (the musician to whom Turina dedicated many of these works), the composer clearly had a great ear for the instrument. Unlike many of his Spanish composing peers, he didn't just transpose his piano works to guitar; he also wrote specifically for the instrument. Flamenco is the main influence, but on Tres Danzas Andaluzas--originally written for piano--we hear shades of tango; Albéniz and Falla are two other influences Turina never sheds. Op. 61 is the major work here (the dazzling Allegro vivo third movement being the disc's highlight), along with Op. 55, his Cinco Danzas Gitanas. Both works are reflective, but never predictable. Rafael Andia plays these complex pieces deftly and, though he's no Segovia, he's a great interpreter, and the sound quality is unbeatable. --Jason Verlinde

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:

The classical heritage

Music of Spain

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rachmaninov: His Complete Recordings
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The Verdi Recordings
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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:

Outstanding music and great value!!
Excellent
Very Highly Recommended

Guitarra española

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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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.

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Guitar Greatest Hits

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Guitar Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000DJZ7L
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Sevilla - Eduardo Fernandez
Granada - Andres Segovia
Tango, Op. 165, No. 2 - Pepe Romero
Spanish Dance No. 5, Op. 37 'Andaluza' - Pepe Romero
Asturias - Pepe Romero
Recuerdos De La Alhambra - Eduardo Fernandez
Soleares - Eduardo Fernandez
Malague Pepe Romero
Romance D'Amore - Goran Sollscher
Bouree - Narciso Yepes
Gavotte - Pepe Romero
Canarios - Alexandre Lagoya
Sonata In E Major, K.380 (L23) - Pepe Romero
Cavatina - Goran Sollscher
Largo - Goran Sollscher
Allegro - Pepe Romero
Adagio - Pepe Romero
Villano Y Ricercare (Adagietto - Andante Moderato - Andres Segovia

Average customer rating:

mellow music
Phasing is awkward
Unbelievable technique, unorthodox phrasing

Angel Romero: Spanish Guitar Virtuoso

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Spanish Guitar Virtuoso, Vol. 2
The Royal Family of the Spanish Guitar
Bella: The Incomparable Artistry of Angel Romero
Antonio Vivaldi: Guitar Concertos, Los Romeros
Angel Romero Plays Bach

ASIN: B00004VW05
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

Madronas
I. Preambulo
II. Oliveras
III. Melodia
IV. Los Mayos
V. Albada
VI. Panorama
Burgalesa
Fandanguillo (From Suite Castellana)
Cordoba, Op.232 No.4
Tango, Op.163 No.2
Sevillanas (From Suite Espanola)
Leyenda (From Suite Espanola)
Prelude No.5
Prelude No.2
Estudio Brilliante
Mazurka
Marieta
Maria
Adelita
Fandanguillo
Garrotin
Soleares
Rafaga

Customer Reviews:

mellow music.......2007-05-12

This cd has a lovely classic guitar sound. I only gave it 4 stars because I expected a more lively cd (you know the kind of fast fingering classical guitar?). Don't get me wrong - the music is REALLY nice, it's just a much slower and mellower fingering than I was anticipating.

Phasing is awkward.......2004-05-14

I agree with the review from "A music Fan" who said Angel's phasing is awkward. I was able to listen to this at a store and totally agree that Angel's phasing is awkward and unnatural. For instance, Adelita sounds stiff and brittle, very unsatisfying.

Unbelievable technique, unorthodox phrasing.......2003-11-21

As my title states, Angel Romero's technique is very clean and precise. His dynamic range is huge. This set of pieces in itself is a documentation of his versatility as an artist; combining pieces of pure burn (Allard) with simple (Tarrega miniatures) and artful soundscapes (Torroba, Albeniz). However, the phrasing is often very akward. I don't understand why someone with so much musical background and technique, coming from a family that practically educated the instrument on musicality, would phrase music so irrationally. For instance, listen to Angel's Estudio Brillante. The phrasing sounds like the fingering. Any master violinist or pianist playing this piece would not phrase the scale and arpeggio phrases in the way Romero does on this recording. Otherwise, the album is basically a greatist hits CD with some formidably played but non-essential renditions of the pieces all classical guitar masters play.

Average customer rating:

Brilliant in many ways
classical gems
Nobody Does It Better
Good CD
A cultural treasure

Spanish Guitar Music

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

ASIN: B00000277B
Release Date: 1991-04-05

Tracks:

Asturias
Tango
Canarios
Fandango
Nocturno
El Colibri
Sonata In D
The Corregidor's Dance
Fisherman's Song
The Miller's Dance
Mondronos
La Nit de Nadal
El Noy de la Mare
La Maja de Goya
Cordoba
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Spanish Dance No. 5
El Testamen de Amelia
Prelude No. 4 In E Minor
Sevilla
Homanaje
Fantasia
Fandanguillo, Op. 36

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant in many ways.......2005-10-04

'The guitar is a genuinely Spanish instrument,' writes Uwe Kraemer, and it (along with the classical music for it) is one of the great gifts of Spanish culture to the world. The period of composition for guitar in Spanish culture began in the 1500s, and has never really faded. Guitarist John Williams (not to be confused with the composer of the Star Wars themes) is a master of this instrument, and has selected a repertoire of pieces spanning all four centuries of the instrument.

This is a solo album - all of the pieces here are arranged for single guitar. Some of the music is distinctively Spanish, while others bear a Catalan and Portuguese influence. Few of the composers on this album are well-known names in the Northern-European culture, but in the Latin culture, these are names that are known, and the music even more so.

From the earliest century of guitar music, composers such as Gaspar Sanz and Alonso Mudarra show the origins of this kind of work, which includes dissonances that occasionally sound like modern composition. There are pieces with lively spirit and power, inspiring dance in a more popular mode.

Mateo Albeniz has only one surviving composition; a church organist in the late eighteenth/early nineteenth century, he was influenced by Scarlatti and wrote for the harpischord - Williams has transcribed the piece for guitar here.

From the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries, many composers were productive: Isaac Albeniz, Julio Sagreras, Manuel de Falla, Enrique Granados, Francisco Tarrega, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Joaquin Turina. Some like de Falla were very influenced by traditional Spanish stories and musical themes, whereas others like Granados drew inspiration from the broader aspects of European musical tradition. Villa-Lobos shows the transportation of Spanish music into the new world, becoming a noted name in Brazilian music (which, ironically, is the only major South American country without Spanish as its primary language).

Joaquin Rodrigo and Frederico Moreno Torroba represent composers in this grand style up to the present day.

John Williams' playing is technically sound and has flashes of emotional power and inspiration. Many pieces here are wonderful, but 'The Miller's Dance', the 'Fandango' and the Villa-Lobos 'Prelude No. 4 in E minor' stand out as the greatest of tracks here, being nothing short of brilliant.

classical gems.......2003-07-09

A treat for the solo guitar enthusiast, this is a sparkling collection of Spanish classics, full of drama and passion, played to perfection by John Williams. His technique is dazzling, with a purity and clarity even in the fast and fiery parts, and never a squishy note to be heard.
The music takes us back to the mid 16th century with Alonso Mudarra's "Fantasia", which is short and charming, as well as another early composer, Gaspar Sanz (1640-1710), with his "Canarios", up to many 20th century masters like de Falla, Torroba, and the only non-Spaniard represented, the Brazilian Heitor Villa-Lobos.
Favorites include Albeniz' "Cordoba", which has a marvelous "rasqueado", and the familiar but exciting "The Miller's Dance" by de Falla, but every track is impressive on this CD, as well as entertaining, something solo guitar music occasionally fails to be.

Having been reared by a mother who loved her guitar almost as much as her children, I have heard these pieces played often and by many great artists, but never better, or more enjoyably. This is a compilation that consists of previously released material, some from the 70's and 80's; the sound throughout is excellent, and the total time 73:46.

Nobody Does It Better.......2001-11-24

I regard the recording of "Leyenda" on this CD the best. All other recordings are weak, especially during the buildup of the arpeggio and the strummed chords. Williams is the only guitarist I've heard (including Segovia) to give this dramatic masterpiece the dose of power it deserves--from the bright arpeggio to the whipsaw chordal strums. Other great performances on this CD are "Canarios," "Sonata in D," "Madronos," "Cordoba," and "Recuerdos de la Alhambra." To give an indication of just how powerful Williams' playing is, I've heard Christopher Parkening's and David Brandon's duo (which I highly regard) performance of "The Miller's Dance," and found it lacking the dynamism and excitement of Williams' solo performance. A few of the other compositions on this CD don't appeal to me much; otherwise, I'd rate this CD higher.

Good CD.......2001-10-15

Nice round choice of pieces, well performed. Naturally there are favorites, but overall, a lovely work.

A cultural treasure.......2001-10-09

While converting CDs to MP3s recently, I rediscovered this 1990 CD. I've always loved Williams' lively performances of "Canarios" and "Fantasia", but was struck, one week before the terrorist war began, by the gentle, sad beauty of "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" [Keepsakes of the Alhambra palace]. Tarrega's composition, an inspired work of genius, could serve to restore hopes of peace to the world.

Average customer rating:

¡España!

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000001HO8
Release Date: 1994-03-22

Tracks:

Espana: Rapsodie - The State Of Mexico Symphony Orchestra/Enrique Batiz
Fandango - Carlos Bonell
The Toreador's Prayer - Orquesta Filarmonica De La Ciudad De Mexico/Enrico Batiz
Carmen: The Toreadors - Orquesta Filarmonica De La Ciudad De Mexico/Enrico Batiz
Espana: Tango - Allan Schiller
Cantos De Espana: Bajo La Palmera - Pro Arte Gtr Trio
Suite Espanola: Sevilla - Alma Petchersky
Suite Espanola: Asturias - Guillermo Fierens
Goyescas: Intermezzo - Orquesta Filarmonica De La Ciudad De Mexico/Enrico Batiz
Tonadillas: The Timid Beau - Sandra Browne/Michael Isidor
Danzas Espanolas: Villanesca - Pro Arte Gtr Trio
Danzas Espanolas: Andaluza - Maria Garzon
Gran Jota - Carlos Bonell
La Vida Breve: Spanish Dance No.1 - Orquesta Filarmonica De La Ciudad De Mexico/Enrico Batiz
Canciones Populares Espanolas: Jota - Sandra Browne/Michael Isidor
Love The Magician: Ritual Fire Dance - Orquesta Filarmonica De La Ciudad De Mexico/Enrico Batiz

Average customer rating:

Dinner Classics: Taste of Spain

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000277N
Release Date: 1991-01-09

Tracks:

Sevilla
Spanish Dance No. 5
Cadiz
Asturias
Granada
Fandanguillo, Op. 36
Homanaje A Tarrega: Soleares
La Maja De Goya
Danse Du Corregidor
Fisherman's Song
Miller's Dance
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Fandango
Majorca
Zambra Granadina
Cordoba

The Segovia Collection, Vol. 3: My Favorite Works

Average customer rating:

It's in the books!
The perfect introduction to Andres Segovia
Segovia incomparable!
Classical Guitar!!
Top Classical Guitar Recording Ever

The Segovia Collection, Vol. 3: My Favorite Works

Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002PGU
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Sevilla
Granada
Zambra Granadina
Piezas Caracteristicas: I. Preambulo - II. Oliveras - III. Cancion - IV. Albada - V. Los Mayos - VI. Panorama
Estudio: No. 10-En La Mayor - No. 15-En Sol Mayor - No. 19-En Si Menor - No. 6-En La Mayor
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Tonadilla
Leyenda
Sevillana
Capricho Diabolico

Amazon.com essential recording

It's a strange fact, but many of the most popular Spanish guitar pieces are actually transcriptions of piano originals. Of course, many of these actually use the piano in imitation of the guitar, and if a guitarist of Segovia's ability had been around at the turn of the century, there might have been a lot more authentic guitar music written than we now have. Segovia's particular gift, evident in the Albeniz pieces, is to make this piano music sound like guitar originals. In short, this essential CD contains many of the most famous Spanish guitar favorites in inimitable performances. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

It's in the books!.......2007-06-28

What I like most about Andres Segovia's recordings is the fact that most of what he plays is in my classical guitar books - this CD included. Usually, I learn a classical guitar song, cold. I have no idea how it sounds or how it's suppose to sound. I continue to play these songs without knowing, exactly, how long each note is played or at what dynamic. One day, I bought this CD and realized Segovia was playing a percentage of songs that were in my classical guitar books. From this recording, I went out and purchased some more. I realized, every recording of Segovia's is in my books. I bought Ana Vidovic's recordings and Eliot Fisk's and didn't see many of their recordings in the books. I checked out John Williams and Christopher Parkening and found a few of theirs, but not as many as the Maestro. Segovia made it his life's duty to record all the known works for the the guitar and to seek out new compositions for the guitar. He recorded them, and they appear in World's Favorite Solo's for Classic Guitar and Pure Classical Guitar Solos along with Fifty Pieces for Guitar, and a host of others. Check out all of Segovia's recorded volumes and you'll see that many of his tunes are popular in the book world. After buying everything Segovia ever recorded, check out John Williams and Christopher Parkening. Once you have everything of theirs, collect everything from The Guitar Foundation of America's contest winners. You can find them on the internet -- just google "gfa". Thanks to Segovia's recordings, I'm a better player. Five stars!!!

The perfect introduction to Andres Segovia.......2007-04-21

This cd has many of the most popular Romantic works (many of which were transcribed from piano to guitar) that all classical guitar enthusiasts know and love. Segovia is perfectly at home with these works (most of them being Spanish), and I can't listen to anyone else play a single piece on this disk after hearing the Maestro here. If you know a guitar geek that doesn't have many cds on the classical side of six strings, you MUST give this gift.

Segovia incomparable!.......2005-07-24

What can I say? Though other fine guitarists have recorded much of the music on this CD, Segovia's playing is incomparable, a joy to hear, the standard by which all other guitarists must be judged.

This CD, Volume 3 of The Segovia Collection (MCA) contains several works by Albeniz (Sevilla, Granada, Zambra Granadina, Leyenda), as well as those by Torroba (Piezas Carateristicas), Tarrega (Recuerdos de la Alhambra), Granados (Tonadilla), Turina (Sevillana), and Sor (excerpts from the Twenty Studies) among others.

This CD is worth having even if it mostly duplicates DGG's The Segovia Collection (4 CDs) because it gathers so many fine works on one CD, it is a fine example of Segovia'a art, and it is attractive pricewise for the collector not interested in purchasing the 4CD DGG Box. Though out of print, it is available from Amazon.com's Marketplace Sellers.

One correction: Segovia performs Sor Studies nos. 14 in A Major, 16 in G Major, 5 in B Minor, and 12 in A Major, NOT the Studies listed (the keys that the studies are in is correct).

Classical Guitar!!.......2001-06-29

what more can I say. I love classical guitar and this CD is one of the best. I have the entire Segovia collection and I strongly recommend this CD, along with all the rest in the collection.

Top Classical Guitar Recording Ever.......2001-06-29

The standard by which all else is judged! As a classical guitarist for over 25 years, I can assure you this is the definitive classical guitar recording of the 19th century. When you combine the powerfully romantic music of arguably the most notable composer of the guitar with the recordings, both old and new, of unarguably the "Master" of the classical guitar, the result is a recording that may never be equalled. Each piece is imaginative, stirring and emotional. This is a must for anyone who enjoys not only the Spanish Guitar but simply music at its best!