Customer Reviews

Music of Spain

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Recorded in 1981, this was the first-ever digital recording by a major classical guitarist, and Julian Bream didn't let the opportunity go to waste. Firstly, Bream's transcriptions of the piano scores are absolutely outstanding - the voicings in Albeniz's Mallorca, to name just one example, are far more logical and musically satisfying than any previous published edition, including Segovia's. Secondly, Bream's playing is so compelling that even though this recording must have entailed hundreds of edits, not once is one aware of the technical difficulties that underlay its production, surely the sign of a master artist at work. Thirdly, its stereo image (captured in the small stone chapel of Wardour Castle in Wiltshire) is glorious, for example in beautiful but fiendishly difficult "Maja de Goya" - Bream's sitting right there in front of you playing his heart out! Fourthly, the album was recorded on Bream's 1973 now legendary Jose Romanillos guitar, which fact launched the career of a great luthier. In summary, this album inspired a generation of classical guitarists the world over, myself included, and gave the classical guitar a whole new audience when the CD format first appeared. As the previous reviewer mentioned, the Navigator edition has extra tracks for less cost, but I prefer the original running order. A true masterpiece that stands the test of time, but make sure you audition this album through top-notch audio speakers or headset for best effect!

The previous reviewer is right on the money. Bream's own transcriptions of these works are marvellous, and I doubt there is a better recording of these works as played on the guitar. This is an awesome classical guitar recording made by the man who I think is the greatest classical guitarist...ever! Bream is at his peak here; listen to the sound he coaxes from his instrument. Amazing playing of very beautiful music, aided by an exceptional recording, the music "intimately explodes" from the speakers. A few years after this, Bream seriously injured his right arm in a freak accident, and literally had to teach himself to play again. I don't think, for all his resolve and brilliance, that he has come close to matching the magic he conjured on this very special recording. This is a disc for all music lovers...even classical guitar naysayers.

With his sheer variety of tone, Bream illustrates Beethoven's contention that the guitar is the instrument most like a full orchestra. In this recital of Albeniz and Granados piano works transcribed for guitar, we hear everything from a sharp cutting twang to a softer, mellifluous strum. The sounds are sometimes unexpected but always colorful and individual. Bream conveys great affection for this music in these warmly spontaneous performances. The overall result is like being at a recital in an intimate setting. This is highly recommended although if you can find the "Classical Navigator" reissue with its added selections by Rodrigo, that represents even better value.

I'm not a huge classical music fan but I do have about fifteen to twenty CDs in my collection. This one is my favorite of the bunch. Bream plays Albeniz and Granados with feeling and grace. I find his playing magical.

This is Bream's greatest record, in my opinion. Everyone should own this album