Customer Reviews

Dreams of a World

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2 star:		(1)
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This has long been my favorite classical guitar recording, and I just put it on again after hearing another recent favorite recording ("Reflections of Spain") played by David Russell, who is perhaps the most gifted contemporary guitarist on record. I was inspired to do so by Russell's performance of the "Cancion y Danza No. 1" by Antonio Ruiz-Pipo, which though quite excellent, I knew right away was quite different from Isbin's take on the same piece.

First, let me say, I hope that they are good friends, because they are both landmark musicians and worthy "competitors." Both clearly play with absolute love for both the music and the instrument. In short, I prefer Isbin's recording of the Pipo "Danza," even though, overall, Russell's playing is technically cleaner and more facile (but not by much). (Across his entire CD, I recall barely any string noise from Russell, where as Isbin manages a mere dozen or so clear such imperfections across her entire and ample CD; big deal).

I think the thing that draws me to Isbin in this piece (and her CD, in general) is her incredible variety of rhythm, attack, and tone color, all of which combine to give an impression of near perfect balance between spontaneity and precision. She has a way of taking time without the slightest sense of delay or heaviness. This is probably because her tempo never changes, only the rhythm around it, which is a classic hallmark of rhythmic mastery. This means that she hears and feels, both deeply and objectively, every moment of "sound and space" (notes and rest) from beginning to end, like an unbroken line painted across a master's canvas. Combined with this, she uses the space between her bridge and finger board to elicit the most amazing contrasts in tone color (one of the great contributions of Segovia to the art).

Russell plays with equal mastery of rhythm and attack, perhaps aided by the remarkable sonic depth built into his guitar. While he makes maximum use of that wonderful guitar sound, he is somewhat less dramatic in his changes of volume and tone color between phrases, aiming for a more consistent and lyrical quality, certainly another aim of mastery in itself, but there in lies the difference. Still, his sharp shaping of phrases, especially in his choice of Spanish music on his entire CD, with that impeccable technique behind it, weaves a spell all its own.

So, even though Russell's is among the finest pure Spanish musical CDs available, and one of my favorite in that genre (musical realm), I still have to give my nod to Isbin's multi-national effort for its unmatched ability to conjure, especially today, the most sublime dreams of a better world.

Sharon Isbin's fame is well-deserved, and she has spent many years learning the exacting technique of the classical guitar so that any style of performance from Bach to Brazilian makes 'sense' under her fingers. What a remarkably poetic player. For those of you who love the instrument, you will hear no one perform with as much depth, grace, expression as Isbin does.

Sharon Isbin is all musicianship and brilliance, she has clearly built her reputation upon impeccable performances both live and in recording. Her craft in Dreams of A World is multifold- she initiated the commissioning of works such as the Duarte piece, developed transcriptions and arrangements, created a lush, emotional 'program' that progresses from one work to the next in a highly organic fashion.

If you are looking for high-speed pyrotechnics, Isbin is absolutely capable of this, and plays the most demanding pieces of the classical guitarist's repertoire. The current album is virtuosic in her nuanced and coloristic passages, and the music calls forth the greatest delicacy from the instrument. Both of these types of performance are well within Isbin's range. Witness her Bach recordings, orchestral recordings, contemporary and 'classic' pieces of the canon of guitar works. She embraces the very highest values of the instrument and brings to stage and CD an artful awareness of prescisely what each musical work requires in order to shine. Overplaying can be as dull as underplaying - Isbin does neither. In her hands each work shines and is truly a gem of multifaceted musical pleasure.

For those music lovers who know the guitar and its possibilities, you will realize that the instrument is in the hands of a prodigy-turned-international player who is one of a kind not only in her generation, but for several generations. Why is it no surprise that Segovia, the composer Rodrigo, and numerous luminaries of the classical guitar world have given her their ultimate compliment - full and unconditional support? She deserves the accolade -- it is in her hands - listen to it here on this CD, and find the heart of the music - you'll recognize the heart and spirit of each piece immediately through Isbin's performances.

Listen to this work, and explore Isbin's entire opus and repertoire. She brings into the world beauty beyond what was known before - that is her gift.

I hope you're decide to make this CD your gift - to yourself and to others.

I am a composer -- to my ears, this music is heartwrenchingly gorgeous, and it comes to life through the performer's hands.
Isbin's performances are a life lesson- those who seek depth and profundity through music will find it here.

Enjoy.

This is one of my all time favorite CD. When critics call Sharon Isbin the "Monet of the guitar" or the "preeminent guitarist of our time" they only begin do justice to her mastery of the instrument. On this CD my favorite pieces are Agua E Vinho, Cancíon y danza for guitar, Recuerdos de la Alhambra. They are superbly played; they are flawless, passionate ,very moving. I cannot help feeling transcend when listening to Dreams of a World. Ms. Isbin does more than play nice music from all over the world; in this CD she shares her heartfelt dreams of a world.

I highly recommend Dreams of a World.

I was introduced to Ms. Isbin's music this winter during a trip when a friend had "Dreams of a World" on for 3 days straight, dawn to dusk. Typically, after listening to the same CD twice, one gets bored or annoyed. Yet, this was not the case; on the contrary "Dreams of a World" warmed us up --it was delicately beautiful. Ms. Isbin employs an astonishing pallet of colors, which she blends with unprecedented technical mastery and imaginative nuances throughout her oeuvre.

Cancion y danza for guitar, Agua E Vinho Mahar and Yerushala'im shel zahav are pieces which can easily be overly sentimental and languorous. Ms. Isbin keeps a pleasant balance between the melancholy in her phrasing, the underlying dynamism of her voice
and the warm character of the pieces. I can only recommend Dreams of a World to anyone in search of high quality music played by an artist, not merely a technician.

From the moment I put this CD on my player to the time the CD ended, I was transfixed. This CD is such a delight to the ears, that it is difficult to put into words the emotions experienced while listening. I attended a NY Philharmonic performance several weeks ago with guest soloist Sharon Isbin. Her live performance was mesmerizing. She did an encore performance of "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" which took my breath away. The NY Times reviewer called it a "...virtuoso encore...". How wonderful that this piece appears on Dreams of a World. A CD that will transport you around the world with the flavors of outstanding compositions interpreted by a musician who is one of the greatest living classical guitarists today. Do yourself a favor and experience the magic.

As an avid Isbin fan, I will admit to some predjudice. However, that said, I will say that this recording is not only a refreshing departure from her previous recordings, but a most appreciated one! Bottom line: the more I listen to it, the more I love it. The CD jacket and Sharon's notes simply add to the total enjoyment of this, her most recent adventure! I truly can't fathom how anyone could be disappointed with this CD. As Martha would say..."it's a good thing".

You don't have to be a classical music expert to love this CD. It is accessible to both the novice as well as the sophisticated listener.

Dreams of a World is the type of CD you come back to over and over again. Each listening reveals a new layer of complexity and mastery. To master an instrument requires a unique blend of disciplined technique and creative emotion. One may aspire to being a perfect technician and yet lack in emotive nuance. One may aspire to evoke emotion and yet lack proper technique. In either case the listener is left wanting. Isbin however, inspires by combining flawless technique with passionate creativity. For example, the works by Neomi Shemer shimmer. Isbin's technique, her emotion, and her versatility shine forth on this CD. This is a beautiful work, and should be in every music lovers collection.

Incredible - That's the best word to summarize this CD.

This CD has now become my rush-hour traffic stress reliever. Sharon Isbin's talent and feeling with her music come through crystal clear in this CD. (Personally, I am partial to the tracks "Virgilio" and "Danza No. 1," but the entire CD is excellent.)

Quite simply, this CD is a must buy if you like guitar music. The critics who sing her praises didn't exagerate. She is really that good, and even better. You won't be disappointed.

A truly wonderful CD that is perfect background music for dinner or relaxation. It has a simply rich sound uncomplicated by other instruments.

As an avid Isbin fan, I will admit to some predjudice. However, that said, I will say that this recording is not only a refreshing departure from her previous recordings, but a most appreciated one! Bottom line: the more I listen to it, the more I love it. The CD jacket and Sharon's notes simply add to the total enjoyment of this, her most recent adventure! I truly can't fathom how anyone could be disappointed with this CD. As Martha would say..."it's a good thing".