Customer Reviews

Misa Flamenca

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

 

 

This CD takes the common people's music and puts it in to the form of a mass. The alma, corazon, and duende of the soloists is palpable, and the heavenly singing of the choir of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is breathtaking. There are parts that bring chills and goosebumps; other places make me wish I could dance flamenco style! This is not a CD for everyone. Most people who really love flamenco will appreciate it. Those of us with Spanish blood hear it and feel the tug of Spain in our hearts.

Misa Flamenca is great music wise, but this recording does not do it justice. The guitar is barely audable, you have to turn your stereo all the way up and its just about there, the solo singer is the only one with volume when he comes in he's to loud compared to everything else. They have to remaster that album; the recording mix is just terrible for all this great music.

Misa Flamenca received three standing ovations at Carnegie Hall, and Paco Pena is passionate, ethereal, and technically brilliant. I highly recommend this album.

Il faut apprécier le flamenco et les messes chantées pour aimer ce CD

The five stars reflect what I feel this album deserves rather than my own tastes. Personally I am not a fan of the extremely raw style of Flamenco solo singing, but I was still carried away by this CD. I cannot understand the reservation in one review of the guitar balance. This is not an intimate flamenco performance of solo voice plus guitar but a full scale Mass including a glorious choir. A thunderous guitar would have created a completely false and unbelievable balance. As it is the recording is clear, well defined and with a beautiful sheen on it. My only criticism would be that the soloist is a little too closely miked and prominent.

The music itself is as Spanish as you can get, grounded in both the popular and classical traditions of Spain, full of verve, but also capable of the most ethereal beauty in the choir parts reminiscent of Victoria and Spain's other renaissance wonders.

True flamenca with lots of vocals... too much. Interesting, but too loud. But that's okay.

I prefer the soft, intricate, instrumental side of Flamenca and would recommend (5 stars)Azahara... an remarkable recital of guitar virtuousity.