Customer Reviews

Rodrigo: Complete Concertos for Guitar and Harp

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These are probably the best recordings of the Rodrigo guitar concertos available. There is noticeable analog tape hiss in the background but this is a small price to pay for these excellent, classic recordings. The technical precision of Pepe Romero on the guitar along with the excellent performance of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and the equally good sound engineering is a rare treat. Rodrigo and the Romeros seem meant to go together so this CD set is a must have. It's unfortunate that an equally good recording of the Concierto Serenata is not included. The performance on the harp is disappointing. I am puzzled why Catherine Michel breaks into chords where Rodrigo wrote arpeggios. If this is artistic license it is a poor choice. The sound of the harp often fades behind the sound of the orchestra too. The entire recording seems poorly engineered. The orchestra sounds distant, as if it is poorly mixed or too few microphones were used. In the absence of a better performance, the Concierto Serenata would have best been left off the disc.

Wow!! Fantastic stuff that is highly recommended for classical music listeners old and new. Hats off to Phillips for collecting these songs by Spanish maestro Rodrigo and presenting them on two discs. Besides the more familiar fare like "Fantasia para un gentilhombre" and "Concierto de Arunjuez," which I never get tired of, there are various other conciertos that are so soothing and extremely relaxing. This is music to park your mind in tranquility bay with, a blissfull audio experience, orchestral nirvana for the classical music neophyte. The "Madrigal Concierto" is especially note worthy, the two guitars and orchestra are magical as they play in unison, elevating the listener to heights unknown and back. There are various performers on this disc and all are outstanding. The performance of Los Romeros on guitars and Catherine Michel plucking her heavenly harp are exceptional and simply perfect to my ears. These are all recordings from the 70's and early 80's but have been digitally remastered for a crystal clear sound. If you like the music of Joaquin Rodrigo you will love this compilation of 155 min+ of his best compositions at an incredibly low price.

this cd are the best works for guitar by rodrigo, and the best interpretation by the romeros, especially Pepe Romero. His friendship with rodrigo was very important for the interpretation of the concierto de aranjuez and the concierto madrigal with his brother Angel. A great work and i am excited with this cd.

I cannot compare these works with others by this composer because this was my first experience of him, but for the information of anyone else who is not familiar with Joaquin Rodrigo, I would describe him as a Spanish Aaron Copland in that they were contemporaries and they both incorporated national folk music into their compositions. It's difficult for me to imagine anyone of any age not enjoying these works.

These are among the best compositions ever written for guitar. Pepe Romero has a unique and distinct style of portraying each and every note that rodrigo composed. No other guitarist in the world has yet captured and portrayed Rodrigo's music as beautifully as Pepe Romero.

Rodrigo's guitar concerto's are beautiful and great in bringing out the versatility of the classical guitar. Pepe Romero is particularly superlative!

These concertos give a comprehensive look at the Spanish psyche--colorful, dramatic, vibrant, poignant--portrayed by artists of great sensitivity as well as complete mastery of their instruments. The quality of the recording is good; even when played on older equipment, the particular characteristics of the solo instruments came through with clarity. I especially liked having an opportunity to experience lesser-known Rodrigo works in addition to my more often played favorites.

I am a great fan of Rodrigo's music, having lived in Madrid for five years long ago when he was still alive, and would see him at concerts. This is a nice collection. My only complaint is that the dynamics of the recording are poor. You have to keep readjusting the volume to hear the treble or the base. Otherwise it is okay.

This is a beautiful compilation of a wonderful mixture of artist and composer. The Romeros play Rodrigo with brilliance, sensitivity and depth.

If you like classical music, enjoy spanish guitar, you will love this. It is lighthearted, uplifting, & joyful to listen to.