Romero plays Rodrigo

Tres Pequeñas Piezas – III Pequeña Sevillana
composed by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999)
performed by Pepe Romero

Taken from the album The Art of Pepe Romero, this is the third of Rodrigo’s Three Small Pieces for guitar performed by the one and only maestro. I had originally stumbled upon this two-disc set at a Border’s nearby my house during my senior year of high school. My plans to attend USC (Univ. of Southern California) as a classical guitar major had been finalized, yet I knew very little about the maestro and guitar faculty there in general. Only when I got home and listened to this CD, did I know what I had really gotten myself into! I was utterly mesmerized and flat out blown away (in fact, I still am!). Throughout the four years I spent there, my admiration for the maestro only grew exponentially.

This recording is a fine example of his bona fide artistry and encapsulates the essence of his expressive aesthetics. He conveys a superlative balance between intensity and refinement rarely found in any performing artist. The perfect fit for Rodrigo’s simplistic and minimal style of Spanish art music. The highly articulate rasgueados (percussive strumming) and scales of the outer sections are set in contrast to the more lyrical and mysterious mood of the middle section. The variety of rasgueados alone, makes this recording beyond impressive from a technical and expressive point of view.

If you enjoyed this recording, please support and respect the artist’s work by purchasing the recording (Amazon).

*copyright disclaimer* The Plucker Report does not own the rights to this audio file and has not been specifically authorized to use the file by the copyright owner. However, it is assumed that this usage is in accordance with what constitutes ‘fair use’ under Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of US Copyright Law. The usage is not for profit and for educational purposes with the intent of sharing the existence of this work to the general public.

Cobo plays Brouwer

Danza característica (Quítate de la acera)
composed by Leo Brouwer (b. 1939)
performed by Ricardo Cobo (wiki)

Brouwer Guitar Music Vol. 1 was among the first guitar CD’s that I acquired during my high school days. Coming from an electric guitar background with a healthy dose of rock music in the mix, this disc was something I could easily identify with. I can remember as if it were yesterday… I would blast this CD in my car stereo thinking it was the greatest/coolest thing to do.

Now about 8 years later, I still very much appreciate this recording, but certainly with a different perspective. My ears have opened up more to the subtleties of Cobo’s interpretations. I especially value his nuanced rhythmic control and the tasteful use of dynamic shaping and accentuation. Danza característica is of course a fine example.

If you enjoyed this recording, please support and respect the artist’s work by purchasing the recording (Amazon – CD and MP3).

*copyright disclaimer* The Plucker Report does not own the rights to this audio file and has not been specifically authorized to use the file by the copyright owner. However, it is assumed that this usage is in accordance with what constitutes ‘fair use’ under Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of US Copyright Law. The usage is not for profit and for educational purposes with the intent of sharing the existence of this work to the general public.

Rabello plays Pixinguinha

Ainda Me Recordo
composed by Pixinguinha (1897-1973)
performed by Raphael Rabello (1962-1995)

While this is not a classical guitar recording per se, it is truly a remarkable one nonetheless. Considering the vast influence of Brazilian music on our repertoire (remember that guy named Villa-Lobos?), a classical guitarist can surely take away much from this recording. The artistry of Rabello (Wikipedia), the fallen genius of the seven string Brazilian guitar, is epitomized in this opening track from his posthumously released album Cry, My Guitar (Amazon and GSP). As a classical guitarist, the raw intensity of his tone combined with the unrelenting sense of groove he projects is admirable.

If you enjoyed this recording, please support and respect the artist’s work by purchasing the recording.

*copyright disclaimer* The Plucker Report does not own the rights to this audio file and has not been specifically authorized to use the file by the copyright owner. However, it is assumed that this usage is in accordance with what constitutes ‘fair use’ under Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of US Copyright Law. The usage is not for profit and for educational purposes with the intent of sharing the existence of this work to the general public.

LAGQ plays Debussy

Estampes: II. Soirée dans Grenade (Evening in Granada)
composed by Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
arranged by James F. Smith
performed by the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

Evening in Granada is the sublime title track taken from the LAGQ’s album of the same name. Originally written for solo piano, Debussy’s enchanting masterpiece has been arranged here for four guitars by the late Prof. James Smith. This magical arrangement is brought to life with an equally inspired performance by the LAGQ. The various affects and frequent transitions are handled with utmost care and brilliance. Each expressive gesture is precisely executed with an incredible sense of ensemble topped with an immaculate balance of the four parts.

If you enjoyed this recording, please support and respect the artist’s work by purchasing this recording here: Amazon.

*copyright disclaimer* The Plucker Report does not own the rights to this audio file and has not been specifically authorized to use the file by the copyright owner. However, it is assumed that this usage is in accordance with what constitutes ‘fair use’ under Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of US Copyright Law. The usage is not for profit and for educational purposes with the intent of sharing the existence of this work to the general public.