Customer Reviews

The Segovia Collection, Vol. 6: Manuel Ponce Sonatas

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Amazingly, every sonata on this CD is a gem. Each has its own particular sparkle, its own light. So much a part of my life are they, for over thirty years, that it is difficult attempting favoritism. I treasure them all, equally.

The SONATA MEXICANA is immediately enchanting, especially the first movement theme which grabs you and never lets go. Such an alluring melody! Ponce teases and tantalizes us by weaving brilliantly throughout. The second movement Andante reminds me of a warm Mexican night, of two lovers secretly meeting beneath the light of a full moon. The Intermezzo ("Serenata"), again, finds Ponce's melodic gift at its peak. With a running time of only 1:58, it is an ingenius seque into the final Allegretto, which has a luscious motif, intoxicating and gorgeous. What is most attractive about this sonata, and the others coupled herein, is the restraint Ponce shows in his writing for the guitar. He is not flamboyant, nor showy, nor boisterous. He has no need to impress us with compositional histrionics, no need to "showcase" his abundant talent. His art lies in capturing our hearts and allowing his music to rest there comfortably.

The SONATA ROMANTICA is a wistful nod to Schubert ("Hommage," as Ponce calls it). Another catchy opening Allegro keeps us wanting more. Hard to get enough. The following second movement Andante is of such exquisite melodic beauty it brings tears easily. Segovia's playing here is particularly sensitive. No. More than this: he is truly in touch with Schubert's spirit and Ponce's muse. So touching is the Andante that the Allegretto, next, dries our eyes; yet, even here, a vague melancholy persists. It doesn't get any better than this. So attuned is Ponce to the mournful Schubertian realm that even the last movement Allegro he marks "serioso."

The SONATA CLASSICA tips its hat to Fernando Sor, the legendary composer and guitarist. The opening Allegro is a clever "take" on Sor's penchant for guitar etudes and minuets. A delight! However, the heart of the work resides in the second movement Andante, reminiscent of the classical natures of both Sor and Beethoven, and a beauty. A spritely Menuet follows--- and one chuckles at the cleverness and exactitude of Ponce's mimicry of style. It's a joy to hear. The concluding Allegro, melodic and upbeat, with hints of Mozart, is perfect and fitting.

These three sonatas are balms and, played so lovingly, but never indulgently, by Segovia, I cannot for the life of me see how they could fail to utterly please and charm.

[Running time: 58:38]

Hi there. I have never listen to a song of Ponce played by another guitarist rather than Segovia, well the other one might be myself. This CD is incredible. As a Mexican, I find it as a picture of Mexico ( even that Ponce lived in France for a long time). He is very unknown, here in Mexico, people doesn't recognize his talent. I think is the best CD I have. I hear it every morning since I bought it. Now, I wonder how this same composer would sound in other hands. I myself don't understand Ponce when I see a sheet of music that I haven't listened before. So, Segovia is a great interpreter. One more thing....if someone knows where I can find Music for guitar by Ponce played by segovia, please let me know. I'm interested in the 12 preludes. If you like Mexican music, you should buy this CD.

Hasta luego...

The relationship between Segovia and Ponce was similar to the one between von Karajan and Richard Strauss or Samuel Barber and John Browning or even Bach and Glenn Gould - kindred souls interpreting music for which they have an especial affinity. This collection reminds me of Eugene Ysaye's set of violin sonatas - each dedicated to a particular musician and reminiscent of the artist's style.

The three seem to have a "program" of sorts from the first one ("Homage a Fr. Schubert") to the magnificent SONATA CLASICA dedicated to the memory of Sor to the last one which is a salute to his native country. Segovia gives a broad and enthusiastic interpretation, making the music dance, blend and soar. Some of the technical difficulties seems to demand too much from one set of hands. Add this to your collection NOW.

Segovia at his best in Tracks 1-4, recorded in 1964 (Sonata Romantica). Such incredibly beautiful tone, and played with so much emotion. Listening to some other modern players play this piece just shows again what a genius this man was. His way of playing, often criticized as being old-fashioned, is so much more interesting to listen to. I wish I knew which guitar he played on in Tracks 1-4. In some of the other tracks, recorded in 1967, the signs of age started to show unfortunately. For example, the Sonata Clasica was not played quite as fluidly as in his 1949 recording. Too bad this is out of print now. I was lucky to still get a nice unused one.

Just an FYI to those who want to buy this out-of-print CD - the tracks on this album are still available as part of two separate, newer compilations issued by Universal Music Group on the Deutsche Grammophon label. The first three works, tracks 1-12, are available on "Dedication - Segovia" (type "B000EHSY66" in the search field). The last two works, tracks 13-14, are available on "Segovia - The Great Master) (type "B0002HN14S" in the search field). Enjoy.

I have read that Segovia had a particular appreciation of Ponce's compositions, and it shows on this CD. You can tell that Segovia loved playing every note put on paper by this composer. It's one of my favorites!