Customer Reviews

Albéniz: Echoes of Spain

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There is no better collection of Albeniz on guitar, and no better John Williams recording. Once you have heard his version of 'Granada,' no other recording in the usual key of E will suffice. He actually tuned his 5th string up from A to B -- suicide on your A string! -- to get a more resonate sound in his transcription. Williams's extrovert style works wonders with 'Cordoba' and 'Sevilla' as well. Given this classic mix of an extrovert guitarist and an extrovert composer, the closing rendition of the "Tango is D" is all the more magnificent. Never was Albeniz more reflective; never was Williams more reflective. Arguably the best guitar recording ever dedicated to a single composer, though a series of recent and brilliant recordings by David Russell (of Torroba, Barrios, etc.) make it hard to make such a blanket statement. Anyway: buy this recording!!!!!!!!!

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This is the album that got me hooked on Spanish guitar - first listening, then playing. From the heart-pounding Asturias to the bright Granada and sunny Cadiz, I love this album - and go back to it frequently.

A "must have" for any fan of classical guitar.

The guitar of John Williams, the music of Albeniz, the feel of Spain what more could you ask. This is a quality piece that is nice to the ears and senses. Well worth adding to your collection.

This is a CD that one will pop into the player over and over (and over). The Albeniz works included on this disc, while not written for guitar, are transposed beautifully here for the instrument and are played by a guitarist who can deliver the music with great sensitivity and warmth. Part of that warmth, which, simply, can not be conveyed fully by mere words in a written review, may also be because this recording appears to be analog and not digital. For those who desire an alternative, better yet a supplement, to Williams' guitar renditions of Albeniz' music, Alicia de LaRoccha can't be beat in her 2 CD solo piano recording of Albeniz' works. Also, Williams' recording of Bach's Lute Suites can be considered "Volume 2" or an extension of this Williams' Albeniz guitar gem on account of similar warmth (in playing and apparent analog recording) and sensitivity. Enjoy!

This CD contains nine pieces: Granada, Asturias, Sevilla, Mallorca, Cordoba, Torre Bermeja, Cadiz, Zambra Granadina and Tango - all played so evocatively, beautifully by guitarist John Williams that I couldn't resist playing this CD over and over despite knowing much of this music from hearing other classical guitarists. If I have any complaint, it is that the CD is too short.

Realistic sound quality. Highly recommended. For the Suite Espanola, Op. 47, do try Julian Bream's CD of Spanish Guitar Music on RCA/BMG. On my shopping list is Manuel Barrueco's Albeniz and Turina CD on EMI, and Jason Vieaux's Sevilla album (all Albeniz transcriptions).

I am a lover of the Spanish guitar and this music is so beautiful!
I bought 2 CD's one as a gift and the receipient loved it as well

John Williams has previously recorded the beautiful music of Isaac Albeniz but this collection of that composer's great works is one of Williams' best CDs ever. Albeniz wrote for his instrument, the piano, but his compositions have always been a favorite of classical guitarists because of the beautiful melodies and texture of his works that so wonderfully capture the aire and soul of Spain. It has been said that when Albeniz composed his music he always had the guitar in mind. Williams' virtuosity makes this music a pleasure to listen to and he expresses an appreciation for the feeling that the composer strove to convey in his works. Every track on this CD is a grand testimony to the genius of Albeniz and the eternal beauty of the music of Spain.

It is impossible to imagine a more charming, relaxing or atmospheric evocation of Spain than this CD. John Williams' guitar, even-fingered and golden-toned, does full justice to these lovely pieces by Albeniz. I'm particularly partial to the fourth cut, "Mallorca," but every piece on this CD is a winner.

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