Customer Reviews

Martha Masters: Guitar Recital

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After reading about Martha Masters in Classical Guitar Magazine, I got quite curious, and seen the very appealing price of the Naxos records, I did not hesitate to get out and by this one.
And what a record it is! Ms. Masters plays whith the spirit of a true romantic. Some times her playing is unbelievably delicate, and at other moments the music bursts with fervour and elan, and most of all, it all seems to come so naturall to her. The instrument completely subjects itself to her bidding.

This results in a "Thème Varié et Finale" fom Ponce like you've never heard it before (this piece really is the highlight of the recording) and a very inspired execution of Tansman's Cavatina and Rodrigo's "En los Trigales". Also featured on this record is a less known piece by Johanson (I must admit I had never heard of him before). It's always nice to discover new things, and this piece is quite pleasant to listen to.
There is however, in my opinion one flaw in this record, and that's the Bach suite. maybe it's because I've played it myself and therefore am a little prejuged about some interpretations, but I really think it's played to romanticly. What makes the rest of this record so great kind of messes up the Bach. I have severale records of this suite and I must say this one doesn't rank among the top 5.
Bach however can be found on numerous records, good recordings of Tansman's Cavatina and Ponce's Thème Varié et Finale on the contrary are much rarer. This alone should be a good reason to buy this cd, you won't be disappointed.

The performance given by Martha Masters on this disc is that sumptuous combination of technical virtuosity and emotional connection to the very soul of the music being played. While other artists try to impress with flash (the "all sizzle, no steak" approach), Ms. Masters gives us a smorgasbord of colors and flavors to feast our ears on. The Tansman "Cavatina", if you are not familiar with it, is a terrific piece, and is flawlessly and sensitively addressed. Ponce's "Theme Varie et Finale" is wonderfully complex and played to perfection. Bach's Suite in E Minor is also a real treat....just stunning.
Bottom line is, this is a great introduction to an artist who is clearly on the ascending arc of an extraordinary career, with a selection of music which is a joy to hear. Do yourself a favor and buy it.

As a classical guitarist and enthusiast myself, I found Martha Masters Guitar Recitals to be an exciting find. In November of 2000 she won the Andres Segovia International Guitar in Linares Spain, as well as becoming the finalist in the Alexandre Tansman International Competition of Musical Personalities in Lodz, Poland.

Her rendering and embellishments of the traditional works of Bach, Sor and Tansman are indelible. Bach's Bouree in particular was a nice departure from the typical translation, she "pours new wine into old bottles" as they say. Well done!

The Lute Suite in E Minor BWV 996 - Allemande is blissful.

Fernando Sor's Variations On a Theme of Mozart Op. 9: precise.

Includes Liner Notes in English/German/French & Spanish giving the listener and reader a brief background on the composers that Martha Masters interprets. Naxos' recording of the selections and performance are good quality.

This CD is frequently played on my iPod and I have to say that I return to it several times a week whether intrigued or enamored by the soothing, masterful quality.

I purchased this CD after having taken a beginning guitar course that Martha taught. I was curious to hear her recital, and the CD was very reasonable. I am definitely satisfied with my purchase. I enjoy the selections on this CD and would recommend it to those interested in classical guitar. I think it would also make a nice addition to the collection of individuals that haven't yet discovered the beauty of classical guitar. Pop this in your car CD player during a scenic drive or peaceful stroll. I listened to it while driving through the Napa vineyards, and it was heavenly!