Customer Reviews

Concierto de Aranjuez

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Of the million-or-so recordings of the Vivaldi Lute (Guitar) Concerto, this is perhaps the best. Fernandez is an artist of true soul with a profound understanding of Baroque music. His ornamentation in the slow movement is breathtaking (be sure to listen to the clip availabe on this site).

Just as exciting as the beautiful playing is the selection of works on this 2-disc set. It ranges from the familiar (Rodrigo & Vivaldi) to the decidedly unfamiliar (Giuliani & Arnold). These last two are particularly delightful finds. Anyone not familiar with the music of Malcolm Arnold is in for a pleasant surprise.

Two minor quibbles: 1)The liner notes are minimal, with absolutely nothing on the artist. How nice it would be to know more about him! 2)The recorded sound sometimes feels like it's coming from another room - an annoying lack of brilliance and presence here.

This recording of the Aranjuez concerto, is the best I have ever heard. Fernandez, the uruguayan virtuoso, makes the guitar sounds beautifuly. Guitar conerto Number 1 of Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and "fantasia para un gentil hombre", are great played too.

If you're looking for a CD with a recording of Rodrigo's famous guitar concerto, this is a great buy. The additional tracks are nearly as enjoyable as the Rodrigo piece. I'm no fan of classical guitar, and rightly so, but this CD does make a compelling argument for the genre.