Customer Reviews

Ponce: Guitar Music, Vol. 1

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

 

 

Holzman's interpretations of these short Ponce works for guitar are quite moving. This music is modern/twentieth-century, and so doesn't follow some of the harmonic and melodic conventions of older "classical music" (from prior eras, classical, baroque, romantic). But Holzman plays these pieces with a sensitivity that brings out the emotions in the music. Often, these emotions are sad and introspective, but this doesn't necessarily mean it's depressing. The tempo of most pieces are quick, and Holzman's tone color suit the pieces. He also plays with unwritten rubato and other breaks in tempo (though not as dramatic as Glenn Gould). For guitarists, this CD may also be an introduction to Ponce's guitar repertoire. For others, enjoy it for Holzman's emotionally complex performance.

I give it 4 stars instead of 5 only because some might not like this "modern" stuff.

1) Hard to find masterpieces by an underrated Modernist genius from Zacatecas.

2) Excellent interpretations by a world class guitarrist.

3) Flawless recording quality.

I basically agree with the other reviewers, although I still think that some of the preludes were recorded at odd tempos..but maybe his sheet music is more authentic than mine, since there are new Ponce manuscripts being dug up and published now..
That aside, Holzman is a great player and a very good Ponce interpreter. The other reviewers failed to note that some of these pieces are very hard to find another recording of, and many are probably premiere recordings, the Courante for instance..I.ve never seen it on another disc..

Excellent recording. This guy plays these pieces like they were utterly simple, but all the romance comes through. One of the best recordings as well for guitar: no scratches, faulters or extraneous noise and doesn't sound like it was recorded in a room too large or too small. He has total command of the guitar. I'd buy anything played by him.

Get both vol. 1 and vol. 2. Ponce was a musical genius. If you like classic guitar music with a Mexican flair, you will surely enjoy these two CDs.