Sevilla

1. Sevilla

2. Amor Acaba

3. Alguien

4. Frente a Frente

5. Viva El Pasodoble

6. Por Si Volvieras

7. Todo Se Derrumbo Dentro de Mi

8. Dos Estamos Queriendo

9. Toda la Noche Oliendo a Ti

10. Grito de America

Sevilla,Rocio Jurado,Sony International,Latin,Latin Continuum,Latin Pop,Pop

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

Average customer rating:

Two-and-a-half hours of bliss
not what i expected
excellent guitar performances
Essential Guitar...
Lives up to its Name!

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces
Spanish Guitar Music
Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar
Art of Segovia
Baroque Guitar

ASIN: B000069KIT
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Customer Reviews:

Two-and-a-half hours of bliss.......2007-04-04

This may be the best money I've ever spent. I got 2-1/2 hours of bliss for less than what I'd usually pay for one CD -- and you know how it is with music. You buy an album because of a song or two that you love, and you find that you like maybe half the songs on it. There's not a single selection in this one that I would've left out. It includes Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, performed by Pepe Romero on the guitar with the Acadamy of St. Martin in the Fields. I needed to replace my old LP recording of that. But I also get 30 other classical compositions and traditional Spanish pieces, each special in its own way.

Have you ever heard music that you wanted to last forever, maybe even to dive inside and live there for a while, immersing yourself in sound? That's how I feel about this collection. The only problem I have with it is that I bought it thinking it might be nice to listen to while I write. Not so. It's terrible for that. I'll sit with my hands poised above the laptop keyboard, assuring myself I'll get some work done while I listen. The music takes hold and carries me away.

I'm not expert at describing this or any type of music. I just know what I love. You might too, if you enjoy classical or Spanish guitar -- unless you have absurd expectations about combining listening with work.

not what i expected.......2007-03-26

This CD for me was a waste of money. Its just not what i thought it would be. Others may enjoy it but for me..it wasnt what i was hoping to hear.

excellent guitar performances.......2006-07-27

Outstanding guitar performances. I gave it only 4 stars because I do not personally like some of the compositions.

Essential Guitar..........2005-07-26

Up until this collection, I'd never heard the "Cavatina" played in the Deer Hunter movie. After hearing it, I could play it all day and not tire of it! It moves me that much, considering that it's almost "not" a classical guitar selection. The rest of the music is first rate! Excellent playing, but the "Cavatina..."
Buy it and enjoy!!!!

Lives up to its Name!.......2005-06-10

If you only bought this double CD set, you'd have a good starter collection of classical guitar music. It includes most of the standards, as well as rarer pieces. In addition to the many solo pieces, there are several excerpts from orchestral works, with Rodrigo's indispensible Adagio from "Concierto de Aranjuez" topping the list. There are also several flamenco numbers included, complete with heel taps and castanets.

The recording quality is uniformly good, even on the tracks by Segovia. I don't know if they were remastered or recorded late in his career, but they're free of the surface noise present in so many of his recordings. The set clocks in at a generous 2 1/2 hours - one of the greatest deals in instrumental music; this is not a "bargain" quality set. Listen to the samples online - great stuff.

My only mild criticism is in the marketing. The advertising features John Williams and Julian Bream. Each contributes exactly one track. I would have enjoyed more pieces by them for stylistic comparison. But the less well-known (at least to guitar music neophytes like me) artists are every bit as good, and I intend to obtain more of their work.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music
The guitar is an orchestra in miniature!
GUITAR MAJESTY
Sweet, sweet music, an essential addition to your collection
A True Classic

Spanish Guitar Music

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces
Baroque Guitar
Masters of Flamenco Guitar
Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar

ASIN: B00005YJ4Q
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Albeniz: Asturias
Albeniz: Tango
Sanz: Canarios
Rodrigo: Fandango
Torroba: Nocturno
Segreras - El Colibri
Albeniz: Sonata in D
De Falla: The Corregidor's Dance
De Falla: Fisherman's Song
De Falla: The Miller's Dance
Torroba: Madronos
La Nit de Nadal
El Noy de la Mare
Granados: Ma Maja de Goya
Abeniz: Cordoba
Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Granados: Spanish Dance No. 5
El Testamen de Amelia
Villa-Lobos: Prelude No. 4 in E Minor
Albeniz: Sevilla
De Falla: Homanaje
Mudarra: Fantasia
Turina: Fandanguillo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music.......2005-09-18

As a sampler, this CD is an excellent introduction both to Spanish classical guitar music and to guitarist John Williams.
The music ranges from Renaissance composers (Sanz, Mudarra) and harmonized folk melodies to standard 20th Century works (Rodrigo, Torroba etc).

John Williams is excellent throughout. The CD is also cheap, and can be used either just for enjoyment, or further to explore other recordings by Williams, the classical guitar repertoire, or other classical guitarists.

As a marketing ploy, it is very effective.

For the collector or classical guitar enthusiast, the chief disadvantages of the CD are duplication of other recordings, and that the way at least some of the works on this CD are listed isn't helpful in telling the listener the set(s) to which these pieces belong and how to find them (e.g. "from ______, Op # "). The font listing the titles and track numbers is small and somewhat hard to read.

However, this CD should attract many listeners and enthusiasts both to the classical guitar, the repertoire, and guitarist John Williams - and I'm all for that.

Over 70 minutes playing time.

Recommended.

The guitar is an orchestra in miniature!.......2005-02-05

This admirable concept belongs to Hector Berlioz and it must not be a surprise the best guitarrists in the story have in common this trademark.

John Williams has always known the delicate equilibrium between the expresiveness and the glamouer. His impresive technique however is not exposed as his prima edonna. He goes directly to the soul of the composer, melts in his spirit and let the music sharp the qith eloquent conviction the composer's demanded atmosphere.

From Granados to Albeniz, from Rodrigo to Agustin Barrios - El indio Mangore -, from Moreno Torroba to Ponce , you will find the warmth, the passion and the Midas touch of this golden guitarrist.

GUITAR MAJESTY.......2004-12-21

John Williams is a true Guitar virtuoso. His repetoire is very extensive and I use his music in my office while I work at my daily office duties. This album is a must for all guitar enthusiasts old or young.

Sweet, sweet music, an essential addition to your collection.......2004-12-07

I originally bought this album three years ago, looking for a good introduction to Spanish guitar music. And this one fits that need perfectly. I still listen to and enjoy it today. I play this for guests at happy hour or dinner for a relaxed atmosphere. At Amazon's current price, this is a great value.

A True Classic.......2004-01-26

This album/cd is extraordinary. All the songs are gorgeous and exciting to listen to. John Williams' interpretation and technique are perfect. After 22 years of listening to it, I still enjoy and appreciate it more every time. I love giving it as a gift.

Average customer rating:

Illuminating
Essential recordings
Exquisite
The "cool school" of guitar playing
Bach and others on the Guitar

300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
Baroque Guitar
Spanish Guitar Music
Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar
Art of Segovia

ASIN: B000001K62
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

Spanish Dances: No. 4 Villanesca
Spanish Dances: No. 12 Arabesca
Etudes For Guitar: No. 7 In E Minor
Etudes For Guitar: No. 3 In D Major
Etudes For Guitar: No. 5 In C Major
Etudes For Guitar: No. 12 In A Minor
Etudes For Guitar: No. 2 In A Major
Etudes For Guitar: No. 8 In C - Sharp Minor
Etudes For Guitar: No. 11 In E Minor
Etudes For Guitar: No. 1 In E Minor
Estudo No. 1
3 Pieces For Guitar: No. 1 Largo
3 Pieces For Guitar: No. 2 Tranquillo
3 Pieces For Guitar: No. 3 Un poco mosso
Suite populaire bresilienne: Mazurka - Choro
Suite populaire bresilienne: Schottish - Choro
Suite populaire bresilienne: Valsa - Choro
Suite populaire bresilienne: Gavotta - Choro
Suite populaire bresilienne: Chorinho

Tracks:

Sonata In D Major, K. 290, L. 206
Sonata In E Minor, K. 292, L. 24
Sonata In E Major, K. 380, L. 23
Sonata In A Major, K. 208, L. 238
Sonata In A Major, K. 209, L. 428
Sonata In D Minor
Sonata In A Major
Sonata In B Minor
Sonata In A Major, Op. 3, No. 1
Variations sur les Folies d'Espagne, Op. 45
Sonata In E Minor, Op. 3, No. 6
Gran Sonata Eroica In A Major, Op. 150: Allegro maestoso
Spanish Dances: No. 1 Minuetto
Spanish Dances: No. 5 Andaluza (Playera)
Spanish Dances: No. 3 Zarabanda

Tracks:

Suite No. 4 In E Major: Prelude
Suite No. 4 In E Major: Loure
Suite No. 4 In E Major: Gavotte en Rondeau
Suite No. 4 In E Major: Menuett
Suite No. 4 In E Major: Bourree
Suite No. 4 In E Major: Gigue
Suite No. 2 In A Minor: Preludio
Suite No. 2 In A Minor: Fuga
Suite No. 2 In A Minor: Sarabande
Suite No. 2 In A Minor: Gigue - Double
First Suite Espagnola, Op. 47: Granada (Serenata)
First Suite Espagnola, Op. 47: Cataluna (Curranda)
First Suite Espagnola, Op. 47: Sevilla (Sevillanas)
First Suite Espagnola, Op. 47: Cadiz (Cancion)
First Suite Espagnola, Op. 47: Cuba (Capricho)

Amazon.com

Manuel Barrueco is one of the best guitarists I've ever heard. Listen to his own arrangement of Albeniz's Suite Española and you'll have trouble believing it's only two hands on one guitar. But Barrueco doesn't use his technique to show off. He's a solid musician, as expressive in Bach as in Villa- Lobos. He also makes transcriptions that respect the origins of the music. This is a wide-ranging guitar collection, but all the music is worth hearing, especially in performances like these. The disc is one of the best bargains among all guitar recordings, and Vox's recordings still sound like a guitar. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Illuminating.......2007-07-04

I'm a thoughtful and introspective person with a diverse background. Of all the old countries, Spain's diverse background appealed to me. This music reflects that appeal.

Essential recordings.......2007-04-06

Not much else really to say about this. It is a collection of brilliant interpretations and the guitar has the most amazing sound I've ever heard on a recording. You will find yourself almost spiritually bound to share this recording with any classical guitar playing friends and aficionados.

Exquisite.......2006-12-14

I was browsing Amazon, shopping for gifts, and when I listened to the snippets of this, I couldn't resist ordering it for myself. It's a 3CD set of beautiful, varied music played by a brilliantly skilled and sensitive master. Barrueco has an extraordinary touch that seems perfect for each piece, from Bach to Paganini to Villa-Lobos. Anyone who likes classical guitar would treasure this set.

The "cool school" of guitar playing.......2006-10-26

This three CD collection is a reissue of Cuban born virtuoso Manuel Barrueco's early Vox LPs, recorded in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Included in this set is his stunning performance of selections by Spanish composers Isaac Albéniz and Enrique Granados. This 1978 Albéniz/Granados recording is perhaps the greatest example of what I call the "cool school" of guitar playing, eschewing color and warmth in favor of restraint, taste, and note perfect execution. One complaint: in this reissue VoxBox inexplicably spread the Albéniz/Granados selections over three CDs.

Bach and others on the Guitar.......2006-08-10

A wonderful combination between the Great Bach and a master of Guitar

Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar

Average customer rating:

Fuller versions of two classics
Exquisite music
beautiful reflections
The Best
Yet another Spanish guitar music....

Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar
David Russell , Isaac Albeniz , Enrique Granados , Joaquin Malats , Francisco Tarrega , and Antonio Ruiz-Pipo
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
Aire Latino: Latin American Music for Guitar
Spanish Guitar Music
300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces
Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar

ASIN: B00005V0WV
Release Date: 2002-01-22

Tracks:

Serenata espanola (Joaquin Malats)
Capricho Arabe (Francisco Tarrega)
Recuerdos de la Alhambra (Francisco Tarrega)
Andaluza (Spanish Dance No. 5) (Enrique Granados)
Danza melancolica (Spanish Dance No. 10) (Enrique Granados)
La Maja de Goya (from Tonadillas al estila antiguo) (Enrique Granados)
Valses poeticos - Vivace, poeticos, Tempo de vals noble, Tempo de vals lento, Allegro humoristico, Allegretto, Sentimental, Vivo, Presto (Enrique Granados)
Sevilla (from Suite espanola, Op. 47) (Isaac Albeniz)
Mallorca, Op. 202 (Isaac Albeniz)
Asturias (from Suite espanola, Op. 47) (Isaac Albeniz)
Cancion y Danza No. 1 (Antonio Ruiz-Pipo)

Amazon.com

David Russell was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but his family moved to Spain while he was still a young boy so he could study music in the birthplace of classical guitar. On Reflections of Spain, Russell plays the music of his childhood home with all the joy you would expect from someone revisiting a beloved place. Russell's formidable technique is powered by a keen intelligence and tempered by an emotional delivery. He plays chestnuts like Tarrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" and Albeinez's "Austurias" with a fond intimacy that rescues them from cliché. Perhaps the finest moments on the CD are Russell's guitar arrangements of four of Granados's compositions. Although Granados wrote pieces like "Danza Melancolia" and "Andaluza" for piano, Russell's thoughtful versions remind us that the folk dances that inspired them were originally accompanied by the guitar. David Russell is one the finest classical guitarists to emerge in recent years, and his playing on Reflections of Spain is a near perfect wedding of technique and temperament. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Fuller versions of two classics .......2007-07-29

One additional element worth noting: David Russell plays the "full" versions of both 'Recuerdos de La Alhambra' (Tarrega) and 'Sevilla' (Albeniz)on this recording. He plays all the repeats in Recuerdos, which times out at 5:31, almost twice the length of most recordings due to the repeats. Hey, the more of Russell's liquid-smooth tremolo we get, the better! On 'Sevilla' Russell repeats the entire 'A' section at the end. Nearly all guitarists in the past (Segovia, Williams, Bream, etc. etc.) have played the piece with a curtailed A section at the end.
The Granados arrangements are wonderful. Russell's sheet music arrangements of Spanish Dances 5 and 10 and 'La Maja de Goya' are available - it's great to have a clean, modern arrangement of the Spanish Dance #10 in particular.

Exquisite music.......2007-06-09

This is my most favorite CD. David Russell has exquisite taste and exquisite execution. He is an absolute master of the classic Spanish guitar, and he shows off this mastery in this beautiful CD. Each piece is a joy to savor. His crystalline technique makes this a superb addition to anyone's collection. You will smell the lemon blossoms in the courtyard of the Mezquita in Cordoba when you listen to this marvelous recording.

beautiful reflections.......2006-07-07

Having just returned to England after a long spell living in Spain I was searching for an evocative suite of Spanish guitar music to accompany my extensive array of photographic studies. Being familiar with the work 'Recuerdos de la Alhambra' I was immediately attracted to this compilation: 'Reflections of Spain'. The music was a revelation. David Russel made the guitar sing lyrically, recalling many bitter sweet moments of life in Iberia. The light and shade of the choices included covered such a broad scope as to fit my purpose exactly and give enjoyment better than I could have hoped for.

The Best.......2006-04-16

This is the best Spanish guitar CDs that I have found. Even with "Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces" having more tracks and two CDs, this is better material. I am not saying that "33 Guitar Masterpiece" was bad, I actually rate it second. No need to skip through "Reflections" like many other compilations of this mixed type CD. The quaility is crisp but lower overall peak (loudness) sound compared to some of my other CDs. Read reviews of other CDs of this type because there is many that have substandard recording measures. I believe this is a must for the any guitar lover!!!

Yet another Spanish guitar music...........2006-03-09

Like every one else I have probably heard all other worthy versions of most of these tunes....I happened to find out about David Russell via reading a bio of Barrios and recommended recordings....it said...Dave Russell is the man...I had not heard of him before that...I got the CD...and WOW...!!then I got interested in his music so I bought anything I could from him including the Aire latino , plays Bach and this one....this guy was born to play the classical guitar...

This is the first artist that I hear uses proper dynamics in his performance...the rest of the pack do not nearly use the guitar as a guitar they use it just another vehicle to play a composition....David's strumming...pulling pushing the music and his singing tone is above all others...not as controled as other classical players....if people played the guitar as a guitar not as a lute..or harpsicored or a piano...then this is what it should sound like...acoustic guitar's range is very limited ...but in the hands of a master...there are no limits....

Average customer rating:

Like a rainy day in a good bookstore
Not "Ultimate", but Wonderful!
Everyone would love this album!
Incredible
One well worth the price of two

Ultimate Guitar Collection

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2
Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces
Baroque Guitar
Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar

ASIN: B00000I9M1
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

Allegro Giusto
Largo
Allegro
Packington's Pound
Greensleeves
Fantasia 'A Fancy'
Canarios
Sonata In D
Leyenda (Asturias)
The Three Cornered Hat: The Millar's Dance
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Choros No.1
Andantino Espressivo
Poco Animato
En Los Trigales
Allegro Con Spirito
Adagio
Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

Mallorca, Op. 202 - Albeniz
Cataluna
Granada
Sevilla
Cadiz
Cordoba
Dedicatoria
La Maja De Goya
Danza Espanola No. 4
Valses Poeticos - Granados
Danza Espanola No. 5 - Granados
Fandango
Passacaglia
Zapateado

Customer Reviews:

Like a rainy day in a good bookstore.......2007-07-10

"Always pleasant, never a false cord." That's what I think each time I listen to this collection. I guess I should be listening more closely, but I find the music and the virtuosity with which it is played to be a springboard to other thoughts and activities. I can read with it in the background, write with it or simply drift into thought. And that is really quite enough for me.

Not "Ultimate", but Wonderful!.......2007-03-29

As good a guitarist as Julian Bream is, one must begin by acknowledging that the title of this 2-CD set containing 32 admittedly seminal pieces written for hand-played strings ( primarily, the lute) is a tad hyperbolistic. An "Ultimate" collection of anything would have to be more complete, by definition, than any two CDs can be and, again, it almost goes without saying that no two people are apt to be in total agreement about what should or should not have been included in any such collection. All caveats considered and aside, this is, indeed, a thoughtfully selected and masterfully performed collection of what is, unarguably, some of the very best classical pieces ever written for the lute. Bream plays some of them on the guitar and others on a renaissance lute - the latter giving a somewhat truer indication of the stylings and musical nuances intended by the various composers. But, even the pieces he plays on the guitar - an instrument that, in it's current form, did not exist when many of the pieces were originally composed - are sensitive and lyrical interpretations that sound as if they MIGHT have been composed for the guitar.

Without spending space here reiterating the specific pieces, their titles and lengths, I will simply list the composers whose works Bream presents so nicely in this collection. They span a range of about five centuries beginning in the time of England's Elizabeth I and spanning the years through to the 20th Century's premier Spanish and Brazilian classical guitar composers. The list reads like a `Whose Who" of classical plucked-string instrument music and of composers whose keyboard compositions work particularly well on the strings of a lute or guitar, and includes;
- John Dowland
- Francis Cutting
- Antonio Vivaldi
- Gaspar Sanz (*)
- Mateo Albeniz (*)
- Manuel de Falla
- Enrique Granados (*)
- Hector Villa-Lobos, and
- Joaquin Rodrigo
(*) = Pieces originally written for keyboard play.

Every classical guitarist has his own recognizable style and approach to the instrument and the material. An experience listener would not confuse Bream's work with that of Andres Segovia, for example: but it is not that one is better than the other. Each, in his own distinctive way, is simply superb. Though the Spanish influence is clearly audible with both musicians, Bream's stylings have a more contemporary lilt and inflection than do those of Segovia; he makes each piece his own. One suspects that each time he plays a piece it comes out differently according to the moment, his mood, the instrument and God knows what else. Segovia, on the other hand, was well known for his constancy once he had found a version of each piece that fully suited his own ear and temperament.
While I am admittedly a Segovia fan, I find Bream's renditions to be noticeably fresher and each infused with an aura of presence in the here-and-now which I find especially enjoyable.

The collection is neither complete not `ultimate', but it is VERY good and well worth having in any collection of classical guitar music. In fact, for audiophiles not familiar with this genre, it is a fair place to begin to develop an ear for and a listener's knowledge of and experience with the classical guitar.

I recommend it highly.

Everyone would love this album!.......2007-01-16

This album is fantastic. Easy to listen to and wonderful background music for working or dinner parties

Incredible.......2005-10-24

This is the leading guitar player of his generation at his best.

He is especially amazing in the second CD, with some of the solo guitar transcriptions of Albeniz. His rendition of Rodrigo's three pieces is also sublime.

I can't imagine anybody buying this cd then regretting it.

One well worth the price of two.......2004-09-25

This two cd set is an odd juxtaposition. The first cd consists of a sampler of Bream's career output - but without (and I believe the omission is disgraceful) any acknowledgement of Bream's significant contribution toward the creation of a truly 20th century concert repertoire for guitar. The second cd is a re-release of his superb early 1980's recording of Albeniz and Granados transcriptions with the added bonus of a sublime interpretation of the "Three Spanish Pieces" by J Rodrigo.

Speaking as a musician I find the selections and the production of the first cd problematic. We get a few of the more lightweight examples of renaissance lute and baroque guitar (but no JS Bach and no (solo) baroque lute work); we get no vihuela repertoire and nothing truly representative of classical period composition. We do have all six movements from two contrasting concertos but the remainder of the cd consists mostly of neo-romantic repertoire from the twentieth century. Worse still, the recording quality is highly variable; for example one of the Villa Lobos pieces sounds as though it was recorded in an indoor swimming complex. Given the cd's title more care should have been taken to better represent Bream's career and musical diversity. In the opinion of one familiar with Bream's output this is a disappointing selection. Well played but not representative of the artist nor the art form.

However the opposite is the case with the second cd. These recordings were made at a time when Bream set out to commit to (then) vinyl, via the guitar, the musical heritage of Spain. Bream here was at the height of his interpretive power - and a fine film documentary also resulted from this endeavour.

The inclusion of the Rodrigo set makes this cd a better buy than the original Albeniz and Granados recording, although those who find this compilation rewarding might perhaps profit from researching Bream's catalogue, and adding the complete recording from which the Rodrigo is sourced (circa 1980-90) to their collection.

As for the Albeniz and Granados Bream offers his own transcriptions. These tread a fine line between fidelity to the piano scores and Bream's concept of what works on the guitar. As a general observation Bream seeks to include significantly more of the original score's textures than do many of his peers (e.g. J Williams, P Romero). At the same time he is not averse to significantly modifying the original (e.g. amongst others 'Granada' and 'Cordoba'). Such a process is part of any transcription but here the results are not only excellent but also personal to Bream, as a result we have further confirmation of the craft of a great performing artist.

Every listener will discover their own favourites and I have more than space allows me to relate. I believe that Bream brings more expression to his performances of the Valses Poeticos by Granados than any other guitarist I have heard, and the Passacaglia by Rodrigo is played with such a sense of a brooding menace that my spine tingles every time I listen to it.

The second cd alone is worth twice the compilation's asking price.

Average customer rating:

Early Caballe, covering the range of her opera roles
A great collection of diva Caballe's best singing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
REALLY GOOD !
Cut-and-Paste Caballe

Very Best of
Montserrat Caballe
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Montserrat Caballé: Ultimate Collection
Very Best of
Diva:Montserrat Caballe
The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles
The Very Best of Lucia Popp

ASIN: B000083GOF
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Ritorna Vincitor
Qui Radames Verra... O Patria Mia
Pace, Pace Mio Dio
Una Macchia E Qui Tutt'ora
Tu Che Le Vanita
Ave Maria
L'altra Notte In Fondo Al Mare
Voi Lo Sapete, O Mamma
Ils S'Eloignent Enfin... Sombre Foret
Las Fuentecitas De Parque
Cuba Dentro De Un Piano
Chevre
Punto De Habanera
Cancion De Cuna Para Dormir A Un Negrito
Canto Negro

Tracks:

In Quelle Trine Morbide
Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi
Donde Lieta Usci
Vissi D'Arte
Un Bel Di Vedremo
Tu, Tu, Piccolo Iddio!
Signore, Ascolta
In Questa Reggia
Tu Che Di Gel Sei Cinta
O Mio Babbino Caro
Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta
Son Vergin Vezzosa
O Rendetemi La Speme... Qui La Voce Sua Soave...
Torno Il Riso Sul Suo Aspetto... Vien Diletto
Oh! S'io Potessi Dissipar Le Nubi...
Col Sorriso D'Innocenza...
Qual Suono...Oh, Sole! Ti Vela Di Tenebre Oscure

Customer Reviews:

Early Caballe, covering the range of her opera roles.......2006-09-20

Leaving the hype aside, EMI would have been more accurate to entitle this 2-CD ssurvey "Opera Arias by the Young Caballe." In the whole generous 151 min. there are only 6 songs to represent her extensive recital repertoire, and no Zarzuela. For those items you have to go to rCA. Here we get Caballe mostly from the Seventies (1971-79) with bits form the early Eighties.

The reviewers below have given deserved praise to Caballe's abilities as diva. My onw opinion is that she was better on records than in the opera house. She wasn't gifted as an actress and cut a short, wide figure onstage. But as a vocal actress on disc she was very convincing, despite her over-reliance on pathos and delicacy. One longs at times, amid all the beauitful floated notes, for more spine and guts to her heroines. (I find her acclaimed Aida, for example, a one-note portrayal.) Lady Macbeth needs to be more sinister, Elisabetta more tragically enduring.

In all, this two-fer serves as a fine survey of her early career, and for listeners like me, who don't necessarily buy Caballe's complete opera sets, it may be all we need.

A great collection of diva Caballe's best singing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-12-26

This is a great collection of caballe's eternal art.All the songs here have been remastered and sound wonderful.The very best of, contains a nice selection of caballe's greatest verdi singing.Her rendition,heard here,of la vergine degli'angeli from the forza del destino is the best one in recorded history.She sings it with such feeling and the most glorious soft notes in history.All of the arias on this disc aptly demonstrates her mastery of bel canto, and italian opera for that matter.In signore,ascolta from turandot,another memorable performance from Caballe,she sculpts this aria beautifully like a master craftsman;ending this piece with a ultra high pianissimo bflat,which she holds out all the way to the final bars of the music ,for an astounishing 15 seconds.One of the most beautiful notes ever produced from the human throat.Other noticable mentions would be her pace pace mio dio,her ave maria from othello,col sorriso d'innocenza from il pirata,as well as an entire spanish recital(recorded in 1979,in good voice)are all include here;and much more besides.There is also a nice picture of a young, beautiful, and thin Montserrat Caballe on the cover.The cd booklet includes exstensive linear notes and five rare photes of this divine soprano,who has both a heart and voice of pure gold.

REALLY GOOD !.......2004-02-19

I`VE BEEN LOOKING FOR SO LONG THE "PUCCINI ARIAS" ALBUM AND IT`S ALMOST COMPLETE IN THIS COMPILATION. ENJOY THE PURE VOICE OF MONTSERRAT WITH THIS GREAT COLLECTION OF GREAT ARIAS BY VERDI,PUCCINI,BELLINI,ROSSINI,ETC. YOU`LL NEVER REGRET.CLEAR SOUND DIGITALLY REMASTERED.

Cut-and-Paste Caballe.......2003-05-17

This two-disc recital draws heavily upon two Caballe recital discs (a Bellini/Verdi recital, and a recital of Puccini arias), with some extra material thrown in. At the end of disc one, there are also some Spanish songs thrown in, a good choice, since Caballe sang these songs extensively in her many recitals.

For Caballe fans that already own the backlist of her recitals, there is not enough here to entice you to buy this new recital, unless you like the unique combination of arias. Tracks 1-5 on disc one are wonderful interpretations by Caballe of Verdian arias. I especially like the one from Macbeth- perfectly executed, with the pianissimi in all the right places. Equally as thrilling is her Tu Che Le Vanita, a dramatic, long aria that shows off the interpretive power she was capable of, when she wasn't in a lazy mood. As for the Ave Maria, I find it curious that they chose to cut the preceding Willow Song. In my mind, you can have a Willow Song on a soprano's recital disc without the Ave Maria, but it seems inappropriate for the reverse to be the case. Personally, I don't think that Caballe has anything on Mirella Freni, who is perhaps the most perfect Desdemona of her era.

I must admit to not having heard Caballe's interpretations of L'Altra Notte and Voi Lo Sapete. To imagine Caballe singing Santuzza really seems like a stretch to me. My favorite Santuzzas are Callas, Bumbry, and Verrett (in that order). Of course, Caballe did sing a lot of roles, and it isn't impossible that she could do justice to the aria, but I just can't imagine it, try as I might. A final selection worth mentioning is the aria from William Tell, from a supreme bel canto recording of Rossini's masterpiece.

Tracks 1-11 on the second disc are culled from her famous Puccini Arias recording, with the exception of In Questa Reggia from Turandot (a role that she would sing very late in her career, as opposed to the more familiar and suitable-for-her-voice role of Liu). What is notable is what didn't make the cut. Listeners will be deprived of her heart-wrenching, powerful interpretation of Sola, Perduta, Abbandonata, with its sinister clarinet obligato. They will also miss out on an enchanting aria from Puccini's little known and rarely staged Le Villi. This is a shame, since the original Puccini Aria disc is currently out of circulation.

The rest of disc two focuses on Bellini, in the form of I Puritani and Il Pirata. Listeners will be treated to both the polacca and the mad scene from Bellini' final opera. Caballe, of course, cannot hold a candle to Joan Sutherland, who was a true coloratura soprano (Caballe was more lyrical), but she isn't bad, either, as Elvira. The Bellini role that would garner her more acclaim was Imogene from Il Pirata. This two-disc recital draws to a close with her divine reading of Imogene's mad scene. This is the stuff of operatic legend.

Tracks:

Trad. Spanish Folk Melody: Sevillanas
Intermezo from Goyescas
Llamada
Sevilla From Suite Espanola
Obbligato on Etude in B Minor
Noche en Malaga
Lagrima (Preludio)
Romantic Prelude
Allegretto From Sonatina In A Major
Prelude No. 3 In A Minor
Suite In D Minor
Cuatro diferencias sobre
Suite Of Six Dances
Three Pavanas
Minuet
Bourree
Gavotte
King Of Denmark's Galliard
Gavotte en rondeau
Espanoleta

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant music by great musicians.......2007-05-09

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.

The Royal Family of Spanish Guitar.......2007-05-07

Superb. There is just nothing more to say.

Spanish classical guitar.......2007-04-23

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.

Sumptuous performances!.......2006-03-16

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.

His 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.

LOS ROMEROS TO PERFORM WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NJ.......2005-12-29

THIS IS A GREAT CD! COME SEE THE LOS ROMEROS THE ROYAL FAMILY OF THE GUITAR PERFORM LIVE WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY ON FEBRUARY 19, 2006, AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 2:00 P.M.

FOR TICKETS: www.edisonsymphony.com and www.statetheatrenj.org

Average customer rating:

Superb performances, superb sound quality

Favourite Spanish Encores

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Granados: Spanish Dances
Albéniz: Iberia; Granados: Goyescas
Granados: Goyescas No1-6; Valses poéticos H147
Mozart: The Piano Sonatas; Fantasias & Rondos
Manuel de Falla: Nights in the Gardens of Spain / Isaac Albeniz: Rapsodia Espanola / Joaquin Turina: Rapsodia Sinfonica - Alicia de Larrocha / London Philharmonic Orchestra / Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos

ASIN: B000059ZIH
Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

Sonata In D Major
Recuerdos de viaje, Op. 71: Rumores de la caleta: malaguena, No. 6
Pavana capricho, Op. 12
Recuerdos de viaje, Op. 71: Puerta de tierra: bolero, No. 5
Espana, Op. 165: Malaguena, No. 3
Espana, Op. 165: Tango, No. 2
Suite espanola, Op. 47: Sevilla: sevillanas, No. 3
Sonata In G Minor
Sonata In D Major
Danzas espanolas: Valenciana o Calesera, No. 7
Danzas espanolas: Andaluza, No. 5
Danzas gitanas, 1st Ser., Op. 55: Sacromonte, No. 5
Tres danzas andaluzas, Op. 8: Zapateado, No. 3
Concierto breve: I. Energico
Concierto breve: II. Dolce
Concierto breve: III. Vivo

Customer Reviews:

Superb performances, superb sound quality.......2002-03-28

This is a wonderful CD! De Larrocha delivers some great performances of many well-known Spanish favourites, some of which you may recognise more by the sound than the title.

The solo piano pieces include Albeniz' Sevilla:sevillanas, which I am sure you will recognise, his Tango and a popular Malagueña.

Granados' Spanish Dance No 5 [sometimes known by other titles] is sensitively performed.

Albeniz' grandfather, Mateo's D major Sonata is the opening track. This music will be recognised by Australian music lovers as the theme music for Margaret Throsby's wonderful music and interview program.

The Montsalvatge Brief Concerto is a most exciting feature of the recording.

Customer Reviews:

The classical heritage .......2006-04-16

The visible embellishment of this noble instrument was enriched still more by the Spanish composers, who following the traces of his contemporaries. In the case of Fernando Sor, Haydn was his musical guide, where as Aguado, could establish himself with major vehemence, due its particular style, based in the notable right-hand articulation, eschewed the classical patterns, being able to print his own music a flamboyant and refined character.

In the particular case of Fernando Sor, we have a wisdom blending of the counterpoint technique, an evocative mood from his own that, added the well known influence of the Italian composers (Domenico Cimarrosa and Giovanni Batista Pergolesi) and his beloved love for the Operatic genre, allowed him to enrich still more the lyrical possibilities of the guitar. Besides, unlike Nicolo Paganini, for instance fortunately did not transform the guitar in a simple device to show his overwhelming gifts. He used the guitar to play music, on the opposite approach of Paganini who used the music as mere device to play his instrument.

In the guitar genre there has not been most deserved and superb tribute to Mozart that this Variations Op. 9 based on a motive of The most famous Mozart ?s Magic Flute. Loaded of such imaginative freshness and enraptured inspiration you may notice that one of the Variations conserves an undeniable Italian flavor; this is one of the most beloved hidden treasures the guitar can offers us, which raise with special charm in the hands of this formidable soloist.

Aguado on the contrary acquired due his personal state of things, a notable adroitness who excelled by far, to Sor, so his musical approaches rode in opposite directions, trying to exploit at maximum levels the technical possibilities of the instrument.

Julian Bream makes a colossal tribute to both composers in this egregious and golden album.

The Segovia Collection, Vol. 3: My Favorite Works

Average customer rating:

It's in the books!
The perfect introduction to Andres Segovia
Segovia incomparable!
Classical Guitar!!
Top Classical Guitar Recording Ever

The Segovia Collection, Vol. 3: My Favorite Works

Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Segovia Collection, Volume 9: The Romantic Guitar
Segovia Collection (Vol. 1): The Legendary Andres Segovia in an All-Bach Program
The Segovia Collection, Vol. 4
The Best of Andrés Segovia: The Millennium Collection
The Segovia Collection, Vol. 6: Manuel Ponce Sonatas

ASIN: B000002PGU
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Sevilla
Granada
Zambra Granadina
Piezas Caracteristicas: I. Preambulo - II. Oliveras - III. Cancion - IV. Albada - V. Los Mayos - VI. Panorama
Estudio: No. 10-En La Mayor - No. 15-En Sol Mayor - No. 19-En Si Menor - No. 6-En La Mayor
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Tonadilla
Leyenda
Sevillana
Capricho Diabolico

Amazon.com essential recording

It's a strange fact, but many of the most popular Spanish guitar pieces are actually transcriptions of piano originals. Of course, many of these actually use the piano in imitation of the guitar, and if a guitarist of Segovia's ability had been around at the turn of the century, there might have been a lot more authentic guitar music written than we now have. Segovia's particular gift, evident in the Albeniz pieces, is to make this piano music sound like guitar originals. In short, this essential CD contains many of the most famous Spanish guitar favorites in inimitable performances. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

It's in the books!.......2007-06-28

What I like most about Andres Segovia's recordings is the fact that most of what he plays is in my classical guitar books - this CD included. Usually, I learn a classical guitar song, cold. I have no idea how it sounds or how it's suppose to sound. I continue to play these songs without knowing, exactly, how long each note is played or at what dynamic. One day, I bought this CD and realized Segovia was playing a percentage of songs that were in my classical guitar books. From this recording, I went out and purchased some more. I realized, every recording of Segovia's is in my books. I bought Ana Vidovic's recordings and Eliot Fisk's and didn't see many of their recordings in the books. I checked out John Williams and Christopher Parkening and found a few of theirs, but not as many as the Maestro. Segovia made it his life's duty to record all the known works for the the guitar and to seek out new compositions for the guitar. He recorded them, and they appear in World's Favorite Solo's for Classic Guitar and Pure Classical Guitar Solos along with Fifty Pieces for Guitar, and a host of others. Check out all of Segovia's recorded volumes and you'll see that many of his tunes are popular in the book world. After buying everything Segovia ever recorded, check out John Williams and Christopher Parkening. Once you have everything of theirs, collect everything from The Guitar Foundation of America's contest winners. You can find them on the internet -- just google "gfa". Thanks to Segovia's recordings, I'm a better player. Five stars!!!

The perfect introduction to Andres Segovia.......2007-04-21

This cd has many of the most popular Romantic works (many of which were transcribed from piano to guitar) that all classical guitar enthusiasts know and love. Segovia is perfectly at home with these works (most of them being Spanish), and I can't listen to anyone else play a single piece on this disk after hearing the Maestro here. If you know a guitar geek that doesn't have many cds on the classical side of six strings, you MUST give this gift.

Segovia incomparable!.......2005-07-24

What can I say? Though other fine guitarists have recorded much of the music on this CD, Segovia's playing is incomparable, a joy to hear, the standard by which all other guitarists must be judged.

This CD, Volume 3 of The Segovia Collection (MCA) contains several works by Albeniz (Sevilla, Granada, Zambra Granadina, Leyenda), as well as those by Torroba (Piezas Carateristicas), Tarrega (Recuerdos de la Alhambra), Granados (Tonadilla), Turina (Sevillana), and Sor (excerpts from the Twenty Studies) among others.

This CD is worth having even if it mostly duplicates DGG's The Segovia Collection (4 CDs) because it gathers so many fine works on one CD, it is a fine example of Segovia'a art, and it is attractive pricewise for the collector not interested in purchasing the 4CD DGG Box. Though out of print, it is available from Amazon.com's Marketplace Sellers.

One correction: Segovia performs Sor Studies nos. 14 in A Major, 16 in G Major, 5 in B Minor, and 12 in A Major, NOT the Studies listed (the keys that the studies are in is correct).

Classical Guitar!!.......2001-06-29

what more can I say. I love classical guitar and this CD is one of the best. I have the entire Segovia collection and I strongly recommend this CD, along with all the rest in the collection.

Top Classical Guitar Recording Ever.......2001-06-29

The standard by which all else is judged! As a classical guitarist for over 25 years, I can assure you this is the definitive classical guitar recording of the 19th century. When you combine the powerfully romantic music of arguably the most notable composer of the guitar with the recordings, both old and new, of unarguably the "Master" of the classical guitar, the result is a recording that may never be equalled. Each piece is imaginative, stirring and emotional. This is a must for anyone who enjoys not only the Spanish Guitar but simply music at its best!

Mexican Music:

Mexican Music

mexican music

Mexican Music

Hats Off

Mompou: Cançons i Danses; Suburbis; Cants Mágics

Luciana Serra - Arias

Music: Faye Wong [Import]

Nature One: Open [Import]

Mystified

O Melhor Do Forro Universitario V.2 [Import]

Nuevo Boogaloo

Master Blaster [CD-single] [Import]

Mozart: Don Giovanni, Noces De Figaro [Import]

Many Sides of Max [Import]

Linea de Oro

Mas Locos Que Nunca

Reicha: Wind Quintets, Opp. 88/5 & 91/1

In the Dark