Customer Reviews

The Royal Family of the Spanish Guitar

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What can I say? The Romeros are breathtaking! I am a beginning classical guitar student and hearing this family play is so inspiring. I found out from Christopher Parkening's Guitar Method book (a book I recommend to beginning classical guitar students) they were one of his very first guitar teachers.

I especially enjoy hearing the Romeros' full versions of some of the songs I'm learning to play. For example, I'm currently learning a very simplified arrangement of Isaac Albeniz' composition "Sevilla". But with this CD I get to hear the REAL version. The version Albeniz himself composed as played by Angel Romero. The difference is like night and day and Angel really brings out the soulful depth in this song. Someday I too hope to be good enough to play the original.

There were so many songs on this CD I recognized from my beginning classical guitar books. Of course, the versions on the CD are the originals and the arrangements I'm learning are highly simplified for beginners. Nonetheless these songs most beginning classical guitarists learn are here in their full complex glory. I recognized Lagrima, Noche en Malaga, Sevilla, Sevillanas and the 3 Bach songs all from my beginning guitar books. The Romeros definitely are inspiration to all classical guitarists.

While Los Romeros had a valid claim to the record's title, and their playing was generally flawless, I found this disk to be a disappointing collection. I thought I was going to hear the unique sound of a four high caliber guitarists playing as a quartet. Its actually a collection of solos, some duets, with only a couple pieces where its evident 3 or more are playing. And, while the performances were technically excellent, most seemed somewhat flat and lacked the personality expected of the classical guitar.

I should have read the track listing more carefully; many of the pieces are 16th and early 17th century pre-Baroque works that, even for a classical guitar student like me, become tedious. The saving grace is the Mercury "Living Presence" mastered recording, reknown for acoustic quality. On a good audio system, the Romeros are right there in the listening room with you.

The Romeros proove why they have been on top of the classical guitar world for so long. Wonderful musicianship all the way around.

Since their early years this curious ensemble has detached due their impeccable phrasing, sublime expression and admirable phrasing. (We should remind the case of the Abreu brothers in the Seventies as other emblematic example of familiar ensembles) This special circumstance has allowed them to achieve a very high place in guitar' s world.

Their elegant refinement is not wrangled with the sensitive and required mood. They have maintained the perfect balance, becoming an obligated reference every time they release a new album in the market.

Their Rodrigo's performances possess that verve so characteristic of the great interpreters. Listening pieces as Madrigal Concerto, the original Concerto for three guitars and the unbeatable performance of Fandango.

This album contains some of the most representative miniaturist pieces of the Spanish repertoire.

So please, don' t think it over and acquire this album that will reward you every time you listen it.

If you are in the mood for some beautiful Spanish guitar music than this disc will fill that void. The Romeros have been recording elegant music for years as the gift of guitar playing has been passed down generations. What is especially nice about this disc is that it features a variety of composers major works. The Romeros interpret Issac Albeniz, Enrique Granados, Federico Torroba, Villa-Lobos and Bach amongst many others. Curiously enough, the works of Rodrigo are misssing. To avoid confusion in your buying this disc it is important to note that all the Romeros do not play guitar together on this disc. There is the occasional duet and group performance on guitar but for the most part these are individual solos. The solo guitar of each Romero is enough to capture your attention but it is important to note that Celedonio Romero dominates this disc. The inclosed booklet is very informative and educational regarding the history of each composition; it is nice reading material while you are listening to these early music time pieces. Although the individual pieces are composed by different people there is a flow to the music. This is great music to relax the mind to , perfect for reading or participating in some quite endevor. Recommended for Spanish classical guitar aficionados.

The beauty of the Spanish guitar and the Majesty of it's royal family combined in this CD to bring you an uparalelled performance that will leave you in awe.

Superb. There is just nothing more to say.

The music is very enjoyable to listen to. The selections are great. I would recommend this product to anyone who enjoys great classical guitar music.

I got this for my mother for her birthday, and she was thrilled. I listened to it with her, and it's simply delicious music. I recommend this to everyone who enjoys the guitar, Spanish music, and classical music.

After attending an excellent live concert, we ordered this CD for home use, particularly while doing indoor exercise routines. Many of the selections are not new and include performances with the family patriarch. That is part of this recording's value and charm! It has a wide variety of works with differing tempos and intensities, but they all have technical excellence and communicate the spirit behind the music. There is an undeniable excitement to their music, and it evokes the feelings and images of Old Spain. If you dabble at classical guitar, you will appreciate the almost endless talent of this family, but also suffer if you compare your own talent to theirs! Of course listening to the composer of Malagueña perform his own work is priceless!