Customer Reviews

Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez

5 star:		(7)
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This is one of those Naxos recordings that measures up to - if not surpasses - competitor versions produced by the major labels. Canadian Norbert Kraft is an excellent guitarist and the fine recording captures his flawless performance. Add to that the wonderful support of the Northern Chamber Orchestra, which is perfectly balanced with the soloist, and you have a first rate disc.

Another big plus about this disc is that rather than pair Rodrigo's most famous work with his "Fantasia para une Gentilhombre", as is the norm and had been done countless times, Naxos gives us two other less frequently heard guitar concertos: those of Villa-Lobos and Castelnuovo-Tedesco. Both are wonderful works and are sure to please any fan of guitar music.

If you're in the market for a recording of Rodrigo's famous concerto, you can't go wrong with this recording.

I have bought some half dozen versions of the Rodrigo in my time and except for the Alirio Diaz performance (now, sadly, no longer available) I have always felt that something is missing. Pepe Romero, Angel Romero, Manuel Barrueco (bad recording: far too recessed!) John Williams, and others: none satisfied. But here I stumble upon a recording by an unknown (to me) guitarist and a little known orchestra -- and it is perfection. Beautiful playing, wonderful tone on the guitar, perfect balance with the orchestra (which I must say plays very well): this recording has it all. Finally a version of this great piece that doesn't make me want something more emotionally committed. Kraft is a great guitarist, and if you love this concerto -- don't go past this one in favour of a more famous name. This is the one you want!

A wonderful collection of works for guitar and orchestra. Norbert Kraft has to be one of the best classical guitarists around today, and we should be hearing more from him in the future. Coupled with a bargain price, this CD is a must-have for any classical collection. Highly recommended.

The rodrigo concierto is of course fantastic and immediately accesible. The great thing about this disk is that it also provides you with the chance to hear 2 other contemporary classical guitar concertos that are less frequently performed with similar styles by other masters of guitar writing. For [the money} you can't really go wrong. Also, anyone who likes the Miles Davis album "Sketches of Spain" owes it to themselves to hear the original composition the first track on that CD is based on. (The adagio. track 2) Again, ... what are you waiting for?

Having never heard this piece before today's broadcast on a local radio station, I can't vouch for the competing versions. But I have rarely heard any composition for classical guitar that is as compelling--or magnificent.

The Concierto de Aranjuez is so perfect, in fact, I ordered a copy the moment I got home. I look forward to many hours of happy driving with this new classical companion. I urge other classical guitar lovers to do the same. It's really extraordinary.

For anyone looking to get a solid intro to classical guitar, this CD is excellent. Norbert Kraft demonstrates wonderful dexterity with the guitar, while the Northern Chamber Orchestra provides a solid backdrop to Kraft. I admit I knew next to nothing about the use of the guitar as a classical instrument, which is why I specifically sought out this type of CD. This CD really shows a beginner (like myself) how beautiful and original the guitar can be. It's a bonus that Amazon offers a wide selection of classical guitar CD's for reasonable prices, like this one.

A beautiful collection of classical pieces. These perfect performances are incredible. I find it very impresive that Concierto de Aranjuez is played so well. It's a very difficult piece, trust me I have the music to it. Tracks 1 and 4 are my personal favorites. A must for any collector of any classical music and a great start for a collection. The concert is just wonderful.