Customer Reviews

Paganini: Guitar Music

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an absolutely stunning performance of some of the very greatest music ever written for guitar. Paganini was a virtuoso guitarist but is best remembered for his performances on and compositions for violin. I can't figure out why his guitar music and reputation did not survive equally well. Cuban guitarist Marco Tamayo gives a flawless performance here. I've listened to this disc many times and used most of it on my radio program on WHRO in Norfolk. Top of the line addition to any classical guitar afficianado's collection.

Amazon's track listing is incomplete and inaccurate. This CD has 15 tracks:

Grand Sonata in A major

1. Allegro risoluto

2. Romanze

3. Andantino variato

Sonata No. 4 in D major

4. Minuetto - Rondoncino

Ghiribizzi

5. No. 15: Allegro

6. No. 16: In cor piu non mi sento: Larghetto

7. No. 37: Adagietto

8. No. 38: Vivace

9. No. 22: Larghetto

Sonata No. 30 in A major

10. Minuetto - Allegro

Sonata No. 6 in F major

11. Minuetto - Allegretto

Sonata No. 14 in F major

12. Minuetto - Valtz (Allegretto)

Three Caprices (originally for solo violin)

13. Caprice No. 11

14. Caprice No. 5

15. Caprice No. 24

Marco Tamayo is a splendid guitarist. I have his Guitar Music of Cuba album, which I enjoy as well as this Paganini CD. The music here is altogether winning. Tamayo plays the Grand Sonata with elegance and fluid technique. It's the sort of work that benefits from a performer who can match sensitivity with grandeur, and Tamayo has that knack. Most of the shorter works on this CD are salon music of varying types. They require a sense of style more than spellbinding finger work, and in Tamayo's hands they pass very sweetly. The last two Caprices, from the famous set for the violin, are finger breakers on the guitar. Listening to Tamayo, you wonder how it is possible for anyone to play them on the guitar, let alone this well. The sound engineering is good, too. All in all, a welcome CD of often unusual repertoire that deserves a hearing.

Marco Tamayo plays these beautiful Paganini guitar works with such grace and moving deftness. I cannot seem to get tired of this record. Certain tracks, even after months of repeated listening, seem to yank tears out of my eyes. Tamayo's brilliant phrasing and crystal understanding of these works provide me constant pleasure, whether I'm relaxing on my lunch break at work or following along with him on the scores at home. Simply, utterly, inspiring. It is a pleasure to write these words about what I consider to be lovely playing. Soulful. It makes me smile to think of Tamayo and Norbert Kraft (the producer; also a brilliant player) recording these works. I hope they were as satisfied as i continue to be.

Paganini lovers are going to like this one. Great selections and the playing is outstanding. Great price also.

Paganini wrote some of the most intricately difficult music ever. Tamayo captures it remarkably. The music is not just difficult for difficult sake -it has an emotional force that is clearly one of a kind. Bravo!

I caught this performane on WXXI Classical PBS in Rochester NY and immediately ordered the CD. Marco has a fluidity to his playing that reminds me of Eric Johnson on electric guitar.... different geres but two amazing players... Marco makes, what must be incredibly difficult to play Paganini pieces, seemingly effortless, timeless, transcendental, and exciting. Wow, Marco rocks on the classical guitar.... one classical guitar album that won't put you to sleep rockers... but as lyrical as it is awesome in terms of both technique and musical impressionism; a great pairing of composer and artist.

Pete Blauvelt

I was searching for words to describe this ... different, delightful, musical, lyrical came to mind ... much more so than other/typical (e.g. Sor) music from the 'Romantic' era.

... and Marco Tamayo plays it fantastically; I wish we could hear more from him.

Try this one; it really is delightfully different.

Paganini's music and technique is spellbinding. His life even more intriguing... he was said to be music's first "superstar" according to Colin Copper who wrote the liner notes to this CD. There were rumors of supernatural powers and a pact with the devil due to his gifted, inimitable ability. He is man, myth and legend.

Most of us are well acquainted with him as a violinist, but he also excelled as well as a guitarist, and it was perhaps, his ambivalence and conflict with this instrument, that may have forced him to squeeze the most out of the guitar... He played it like no other. As with his violin, he took an anomalous, unconventional approach.

As a classical guitarist, I still struggle with Caprice 24 and find this piece the ultimate taskmaster and high-wire act, if you will, for a skilled classical guitarist.

Cuban born guitarist Marco Tamayo plays with fervor, precision and passion on each challenging piece.

Again, as a bonus, excellent liner notes by Colin Cooper are included.

Although primarily known for his spectacular violin playing and a small but important body of compositions for that instrument, Paganini was also a master of the guitar as this recording beautifully attests too. A must for lovers of classical guitar music and certainly worth considering for anyone who enjoys fine music beautifully played.