Customer Reviews

Road to the Sun: Latin Romances for Guitar; Sharon Isbin

5 star:		(5)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

If only we wrote as eloquently as Ms. Isbin performs! From the very first note, the listener's mesmerized by the strength and honesty of her virtuoso guitar. No need for embellishment here: she performs each classical piece faithfully -- and brilliantly -- from the heart!

Whether you're already a Sharon Isbin fan, or haven't yet heard her play, if you don't own this CD you are missing an essential piece of your collection. Road to the Sun is one of the CDs most often in my player, and it makes a great accompaniment to Journey to the Amazon, another Isbin favorite.

These are excellent performances by Sharon Isbin of works from the guitar repertoire. Even if you have other recordings of some of these works, that should not deter you from acquiring this recording, for as Sharon Isbin performs them, you may find that you're hearing them again for the very first time.

Listening to this album you'll be at times entranced, relaxed, fascinated and moved... but you'll also want to play the guitar. You'll move your fingers as though plucking and strumming and your face will occasionally contort with the emotion and effort of playing the music.

Yes, this is a great "air guitar" album.

If you're new to classical guitar, this is the album you want to hear first. Really, this is one of those few albums that everyone should have. It is already a classic recording and no one, EVER, should be without it. I cannot rate this higher.

You need this.

This is an impressive performance. Since I am neither a guitarist nor a scholar of the classics, I can't tell you how skilled she is compared to others like Segovia, Liona Boyd, John Williams, Chris Parkening, etc. I can't tell you whether these selections have been done better, either. All I can say is that she has produced a CD which is a joy to hear, and holds up under repeated play. A couple of years ago I bought the "Amazon Journey" CD of hers, but I was disappointed in it...too bland for me. This one is better.

Isbin's playing is weak in technique, tone, interpretation, and program choice. Rodrigo's "Invocacion y danza", in particular, lacks the depth and darkness required for this piece and sounds rushed and mechanical. No need for embellishments. Those who have ears (or spmething between) will hear.