Customer Reviews

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso

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As the other reviews have indicated, this CD offers a great selection of classical guitar pieces from both the spanish and german traditions. Parkening performs them with stunning technique without ever sacrificing warmth. I'd like to add that this CD also has great sound quality when compared to the CD's of other older masters such as Bream or Segovia which sometimes have considerable hiss. So to hear one of the best living classical guitarists with the clarity of more modern recording technology, this is the CD to buy.

If you're looking for an incredible classical guitar CD, or just want something new and different, you need this CD. Parkening is probably the most talented guitarist alive today, and his music brings so much depth, emotion and joy. This is my proverbial "desert island" CD and has been since it came out 6 years ago. When I was in college, I used to keep it in my discman and listen between classes and even in some classes!

I've seen Christopher several times and each one has had a profound impact on me. I've been trying to play his transcriptions for years, and it never fails to amaze me how effortlessly he performs these pieces. If you are even considering purchasing this CD, please do. You"ll not find better guitar playing anywhere.

These 2 CD's are packed with such a range of emotion. Christopher Parkening plays straight from the heart and the listener will be inspired. If you are looking for beautiful classical guitar music do not pass this one up. You can not possibly be dissatisfied. If you are a classical guitarist you will marvel at how effortless he makes it sound. Sophisticated listener or not you will definitely love this collection. This is not music, this is ART!!

I happened to have the liner notes with me when I saw Chris play at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, Ia some years ago. He was more than gracious and signed the back side. It remains one of my prized possessions. Some of you may know his story. He worked with the best, Segovia, in the 60's and quickly became one of the most well-respected guitarists of his time. After years of teaching and touring he simply burned out. He took some time off and during that dry period came to faith in Christ and became a Christian. Ever since he has dedicated his playing to God, quoting Bach who said the aim of all music is the glory and worship of God. This two disc set compiles many stunning performances. Over the years he has won numerous Grammy awards, taught at highly sought after master classes, and talked to the world about his faith and love of Montana fly-fishing. The music here speaks for itself. At the top of my list are his gallavanting version of Rodrigo's CONCIERTO DE ARANJUEZ, EVENING DANCE, SIMPLE GIFTS (which includes an amazing re-tuning IN MID PLAY), and the hymn FAIREST LORD JESUS. An essential set for every guitarist and every classical collector.

In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.

But fortunately for us, there have been notable interpreters that have been maintained a desired balance and contrast between brain and heart, achieving great distinction and total acknowledgement around the world. I would name eight primordial names along the instrument `s story. First of all: the mythic soloist Andres Segovia, Agustin Barrios (El Indio Mangore),Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Manuel Berrueco, Siegfried Behrend and Christopher Parkening, among the most representative ones of a great list.

Christopher Parkening `s career has made a brilliant colorist, an impeccable and sensitive interpreter of this well reduced repertoire. His profound artistic conviction and convincing phrasing has been a perpetual motive of constant invitations and presentations around the world.

A friend recommended this CD set to me after I mentioned that I enjoyed classical music. I was blown away when I heard it--I had never heard anyone play guitar like this. Parkening's use of the guitar more closely resembles a harp or harpsicord, but not a six-stringed instrument. I cannot think of enough superlatives to describe these CDs. Buy them, you won't be disappointed.

This 2 CD performance is stellar in every way. In the masterful hands of Parkening the music of Bach, Couperin, Rodrigo, and others comes to life in such a way as to convert even the most die-hard of traditionalists who claim not to enjoy the classics on guitar. A spectular and beautifully presented collection performed by one of the best guitarists in the musical world.

This is a great collection of Parkening recordings. I learned to appreciate Bach even more after listening to Parkening's many Bach pieces on this two-CD set. I also really like the half dozen or so duet pieces with David Brandon on the second CD. I only have one minor gripe with the collection: It's not with the performances and the selection of music, but with the recording quality on the first CD. The sound is a bit muffled and lacks clarity, perhaps because the first dozen or so recordings were from the late sixties and did not transfer well to CD; or perhaps the cedar top guitar that Parkening uses sounds too mellow for some pieces. Ignoring that bit of nitpickiness, it's still a fine collection from one of the best classical guitarists.

I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

Christopher Parkening is the foremost classical guitarist in the United States and he also enjoys premier stature world-wide. This collection features music that embodies all of what classical guitar can be: Parkening's flawless technique coupled with his passion and tenderness combine to give the hearer a recording that will provide years of listening joy.