Alma Flamenca

Isaac Albeniz (Composer), Sabicas (Composer), Paco de Lucia (Composer), Grisha Goryachev (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Grisha Goryachev
• Composer: Isaac Albeniz, Sabicas, Paco de Lucia
• Audio CD (June 13, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: VGo Recordings
• ASIN: B000FQW19M
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #212,520 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Through the magical musical talent and death defying fingers of guitar virtuoso Grigory Goryachev the worlds of Spanish art music and flamenco are brought together in this brilliant debut CD. As we hear here so clearly, the line leading from 19th century Spanish piano virtuoso Isaac Albeniz to flamenco guitar masters Sabicas and Paco de Lucia is alive with tantalizing musical connections. The distinctive sound of “Spanish” music is actually the result of the cross-pollenation of many cultures over a long period of time. In fact, Spain is unique amongst all European nations in that it was in past centuries dominated by the Islamic people, the Moors, for longer than it has yet to have been ruled by the Christians! In addition, the influence of the Spanish Jews (Sephardim) and above all of the long maltreated gitanos (gypsies) permeated Spanish music. The Reyes Catolicos (“Catholic kings”) tried desperately to purge all non-Christian elements, but, as the great psychologist Carl Jung has so sagely pointed out, what we try to drive out the door comes back in through the window! Even the Reyes Catolicos couldn’t rid Spain of the magnificent fortress called the Alhambra (one of whose towers is called the Torre Bermeja!), the whirl of popular dance (heard in Cadiz and in the main section of Asturias), the sound of water running in long aquaducts from the mountains into the city of Granada (so tellingly captured in Albeniz’s music!) or even the muezzin’s call to prayer (as in the middle section of Asturias!) In flamenco music the drone of the Moorish lute was kept alive in the Danza Mora; the keening lament of the Gitanos found expression in the Soleá and the Tarantos; the wild cross rhythms of popular dance exploded in the Fandangos and Bulerias. Thanks to this latest scintillating disc from VGo Recordings, we can now all join in the festivities. -Eliot Fisk, Boston May 8, 2006

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unparalleled musicality and virtuosity, July 29, 2006

By 

James Gram (Vermont) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alma Flamenca (Audio CD)

Grisha Goryachev is perhaps my favorite guitarist right now. I have heard many classical and flamenco guitarists but his playing of Spanish music sets a new standard both for beauty and for blinding technique. The four Albeniz pieces offer new insights into how these familiar works should be played on the guitar. Granada in particular is stunningly beautiful, and I have been inspired to learn the piece. His version of Asturias is also surprisingly fresh. Grisha's name will undoubtedly be very well-known soon due to his sheer talent and musicality, so do yourself a favor and buy this album, it's a rare treat.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grisha's flamenco album, June 26, 2010

By 

Edward J. De Persio (Wenatchee,) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alma Flamenca (Audio CD)

This is one of Grisha's first recordings of both the Spanish master Isaac Albeniz and Sabicas together. He also plays some selections from the Flamenco master player, Paco de Lucia. The recording from VGo Recordings is first rate as one would expect in the digital age. The tones from the guitar are unusually crisp and clear with a minimum of string noise. It displays Grisha's amazing clarity of playing. If anyone has tried to play the relatively easy piece Granada, you will hear how it was meant to be played with absolutely clear voicing. When he plays the Sabicas pieces, it is hard to imagine that someone can play with that degree of precision-watch him on You tube: [...]
especially as he tries out some guitars at The Guitar Salon and you see his finger strokes if you slow down the action!

If you are a Grisha fan, then you will really enjoy this recording as it captures his playing and the Flamenco sound brilliantly!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite CDs, November 19, 2006

By 

S. Lin (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alma Flamenca (Audio CD)

With virtuosity and sensitivity Grisha Goryachev presents to us a CD full of individuality and artistry. The programming is beautiful as well, tracing the lineage from Albeniz, Sabicas to Paco de Lucia. I've heard him in concert many times and he is easily one of the most deserving artists of our generation.