Tango [Import]

On this CD:

1. España, 6 album leaves for piano, Op. 165, B. 37
Composed by Isaac Albeniz
Performed by Rena Kyriakou

2. Catalonia, suite populaire (only 1st of 3 parts completed), for orchestra
Composed by Isaac Albeniz
Performed by Irina Kircher

3. Rhapsodia cubana, for piano in G major (also orchestrated), Op. 66, B. 13
Composed by Isaac Albeniz
Performed by Rena Kyriakou

4. Suite española No.1, for piano, Op. 47, B. 7 Sevilla
Composed by Isaac Albeniz
Performed by Rena Kyriakou

5. Mazurka de salon ("Amalia"), for piano in E flat major, Op. 95, B. 31/1 Amalia
Composed by Isaac Albeniz
Performed by Rena Kyriakou

6. Cantos de España, 5 pieces for piano, Op. 232, B. 44 Cordoba
Composed by Isaac Albeniz
Performed by Irina Kircher

7. Rapsodia española (orchestrated by Enescu from original for piano), for piano & orchestra, Op. 70
Composed by Isaac Albeniz
Performed by Rena Kyriakou

8. Suite española No.1, for piano, Op. 47, B. 7 Granada
Composed by Isaac Albeniz
Performed by Irina Kircher

9. Spanish Dances (2), for piano, Op. 164, B. 36
Composed by Isaac Albeniz
Performed by Rena Kyriakou

10. El Deseo: Estudio de concierto, for piano in B minor, Op. 40, B. 6
Composed by Isaac Albeniz
Performed by Rena Kyriakou

Tracks:

II: Andante - Stephen Hough
I: Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Dame Moura Lympany
Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat - John Ogdon
Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
II: Adagio - Cecile Ousset
Tango - Dame Moura Lympany
Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
Waltz No. 9 In A Flat - Dmitri Alexeev
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Cecile Ousset
Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
La Maja Y El Ruisenor - Magda Tagliaferro
Nocturne No. 5 In F-sharp Minor - Maurizio Pollini
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
Fur Elise - Dame Moura Lympany
Etude In E 'Tristesse' - John Ogdon
Fruhlingslied - Daniel Adni
II: Andante - Dmitri Alexeev

Tracks:

II: Adagio Cantabile - Walter Gieseking
II: Romanze - Annie Fischer
Aria - Maria Tipo
II: Romance (Larghetto) - Garrick Ohlsson
Granada - Gonzalo Soriano
Waltz No. 15 In A Flat - Maura Lympany
II: Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
An Den Fruhling - Daniel Adni
Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat - Daniel Adni
II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Walter Gieseking
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin - Dame Moura Lympany
Cancons I Dansas No. 1 - Gonzalo Soriano
II: Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
Prelude No. 15 In D Flat 'Raindrop' - Dmitri Alexeev
Gnossienne No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
Berceuse - Jean-Philippe Collard
Minuet In G - Dame Moura Lympany
Berceuse In D Flat - Peter Donohoe

Customer Reviews:

something to have.......2007-03-14

These CD's are filled with all the awesome relaxing songs for the evening when you need it. It is just one of those must have items in your CD collection.

Excellent Music.......2007-02-19

This album was a "try and see" purchase but I love it. It makes great dinner music, great music to drift off to sleep with, or just nice background filler during social events needing a softer tone. It is not all solo piano music if that s what you are after; the other instruments blend very well however and don't challenge the piano playing. It is a piano album after all!

buy now.......2006-09-01

Want to know why I think the piano is the best musical instrument ever invented? Because no matter how the piano is played, it will always sound good. Whether the music is fast, slow, quiet or loud, it ALWAYS delivers with an appealing sound. This is something you need to buy.

Lovely.......2006-02-22

This is a beautiful calming cd. The playing is excellent and the pieces are well chosen.

Aesthetically Pleasing.......2005-09-14

I simply love piano music. If you're looking to relax, enjoy a peaceful time, then you must check out this album. If you truly enjoy piano music, this album is by far one of the best you can purchase.

As it says....it is the "Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever..." Well, I haven't listened to all piano albums in the world, but I don't need to, this one is just perfect for me, and I think you will agree!

I would say the pianists' are extremely accomplished. At times, I would admit-it's a bit 'spine tingling'!

Average customer rating:

Not the best recording
Stunning Goldberg Aria
Great CD
Piano Perfection!
A Classic in Every Sense!

50 Most Loved Piano Classics

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000AHJ7SY
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

'Aria' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude No.1 In C Major, BWV 846 - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Minuet In G Major From Anna Magdalena Notebook - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude No.22 In B-Flat Minor, BWV 891 - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
'Siciliano' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
III. 'Rondo Alla Turca' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
I. Allegro - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fantasy In D Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
II. Adagio Cantabile - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
I. Adagio Sostenuto - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fur Elise - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
II. Minuet - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Impromptu Op.90 No.3 In G-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Moment Musicaux No.3 In F Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fruhlingslied (Spring Song) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Venetian Gondola - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics

Tracks:

Waltz Op.64 No.1 In D-Flat Major Minute Waltz - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude Op.28 No.15 Raindrop Prelude In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Nocturne Op.9 No.1 In B-Flat Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Etude Op.10 No.12 Revolutionary - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Nocturne Op.27 No.2 In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
GRand Valse Brilliante Op.18 In E-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Nocturne Op.9 No.2 In E-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Etude Op.10 No.3 In E Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude Op.28 No.20 In C Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude Op.28 No.4 In E Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Waltz Op.69 No.1 In A-Flat Major Farewell Waltz - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Kindererszenen (Scenes From Childhood) Op.15 No.7: Traumerei (Dreaming) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fantasiestucke (Fantasy Pieces) Op.12 No.1: Des Abends (In The Evening) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Widmung (Dedication) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Consolation No.3 In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Aria - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics

Tracks:

Hungarian Dance No.5 In F-Sharp Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Intermezzo Op.118 No.2 In A Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Waltz Op.39 No.15 In A-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
June - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Berceuse - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Tango - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Granada - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
To A Wild Rose - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Clair DE Lune - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Golliwogg's Cake Walk - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Arabesque No.I - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Gymnopedie No.I - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
The Maiden And The Nightengale - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Prelude Op.3 No.2 In C-Sharp Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Prelude Op.23 No.5 Ini G Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
I. Pavane - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs

Customer Reviews:

Not the best recording.......2007-07-15

The songs were played flawlessly, however, it's really quiet. When you turn up the volume, you will hear hissing in the background.

Stunning Goldberg Aria.......2006-02-21

Who is the performer of that amazing recording of the Goldberg Aria??!?! It must be Gould.

Great CD.......2006-01-29

Nice set of songs. I enjoyed it a lot, I see no reason why anyone wouldn't like this CD set.

Piano Perfection!.......2005-10-16

Saw it on TV and thought the music was beautiful, but forgot to write the information down... but managed to buy it online (now I see it frequently at the music stores)and I absolutely love this album -- all my favorite pieces! (I'm not big on writing comments or reviews, but was compelled by the artistry and passion I heard throughout this CD!)

A Classic in Every Sense!.......2005-10-12

I overheard some people at the record store talking about this album - one guy was actually a piano teacher and couldn't stop raving about it. I bought the album on his recommendation and couldn't be happier - it's stunningly beautiful. Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is haunting and Chopin's "Minute Waltz" is spectacular in its precision and speed! This will make a great stocking stuffer at Christmas for my friends (... I'm getting them now cause I've gone to a couple places and they're out of stock). If you're into piano, this is truly a classic!

Average customer rating:

The classical heritage

Music of Spain

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0009U55QA
Release Date: 2005-09-06

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.

Average customer rating:

Why buy this?
Great performance, poor mastering
Top notch piano playing of beautiful Spanish music.
Distortion
Marvellous music marvellously played

Albeniz: Iberia

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002S47
Release Date: 1992-08-18

Tracks:

Iberia: Primer cuaderno - Evocaci
Iberia: El Puerto
Iberia: Corpus Christi en Sevilla
Iberia: Segundo cuaderno - Ronde
Iberia: Almer
Iberia: Triana
Iberia: Tercer cuaderno - El Albaic
Iberia: El Polo
Iberia: Lavapies

Tracks:

Iberia: Cuarto cuaderno - Mga
Iberia: Jz
Iberia: Erita
Navarra
Suite espan Granada
Suite espan Catalu
Suite espan Sevilla
Suite espan Cz
Suite espan Arag
Pavana - capricho
Tango
Rumores de la caleta
Puerta de Tierra

Customer Reviews:

Why buy this?.......2006-06-16

I wouldn't buy a CD with serious sound issues as more than one reviewer said. Also, the Suite Espanola is incomplete and is missing 3 pieces including Asturias, one of my favorites.

Great performance, poor mastering.......2005-11-10

I concur with the other review that this album has some serious sound quality problem. It is different from the problems of historical recordings. Some tracks sounds absolutely wonderful while some other tracks (first few in CD 1) have a very pronounced hissing noise, still more tracks have a shifted balance. EMI really could have done a better job remastering this recording for CD release, and I hope they do in the future for this is absolutely one of the best in terms of performance.

Top notch piano playing of beautiful Spanish music........2005-09-22

This recording is of truly top notch piano playing which undeniably surpasses either of Larrocha's other two recordings of Iberia because of it's supreame technical mastery, rhythmic vitality and corloristic wizardry and ease of these fiendishly difficult, yet beautiful works. Complaints about sound quality in this recording are irrelevant, especially since it is not that pronounced. Besides, one who listens to the great recordings of Cortot, Rachmaninov, Hoffman, etc. knows the value of the actual performance over the sound quality.

Distortion.......2005-09-07

I wish I could recommend this disc more highly, but I have tried 3 copies, all of which had serious distortion on disc 1 at medium to high volume. This performance was originally recorded for Spanish Hispavox and released in the US on Columbia. The LPs had problematic sound, but I hoped this would be cleaned up on the CD. I actually prefer this performance of Iberia to the later one on Decca, although that one is also up to DeLarrocha's high standard. Maybe I've just had bad luck with copies (though 3 bad ones seems pretty odd).

Marvellous music marvellously played.......2000-11-23

This is music which many people may recognise but not have been able to identify. It's the best of Spanish piano music - dramatic and lyrical, deeply romantic and full of complex iberian dance rhythms. Alicia de Larrocha gives it all the colour and excitement it deserves in a bravura performance. I found the 2-disc set, of music half of which was familiar from childhood, but some which I hadn't heard before, deeply mesmerizing.

Average customer rating:

Warm Sound
Great Guitar
Evocative Albeniz
Stock Photography from the Balearics
A Classic

Albéniz: Echoes of Spain

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ultimate Guitar Collection

ASIN: B0000025J5
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Suite Espa, Op. 47: No.1 Granada (Serenata) - Op.47
Suite Espa, Op. 47: No.5 Asturias (Leyenda) - Op.232 No.1
Suite Espa, Op. 47: No.3 Sevilla (Sevillanas) - Op.181
Suite Espa, Op. 47: Mallorca (Barcarola) - Op. 202
Cantos de Espa Op.232: No.4 Cba
12 pis caractericas, Op.92: No.12 Torre bermeja (Serenata)
Suite espa - Op.47: No.4 Cz (Canci
12 pis caractericas - Op.92: No.17 Zambra granadina
Espa 6 hojas de album - Op.165: No.2 Tango

Amazon.com

Albeniz never wrote anything for the guitar, but his piano music frequently evokes the sound of the guitar and it transcribes very well. John Williams, a greatest guitarist, has a very good command of the Spanish musical idiom. His playing is technically superb, but even more importantly he has the flexibility and understanding of the music's rhythms to make it come alive. The early digital recording still sounds realistic, but this old LP-length program should have been transferred long ago into a lower-priced series. You might want to wait, but if you can't the playing is certainly satisfying. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Warm Sound.......2007-04-27

This is a CD that one will pop into the player over and over (and over). The Albeniz works included on this disc, while not written for guitar, are transposed beautifully here for the instrument and are played by a guitarist who can deliver the music with great sensitivity and warmth. Part of that warmth, which, simply, can not be conveyed fully by mere words in a written review, may also be because this recording appears to be analog and not digital. For those who desire an alternative, better yet a supplement, to Williams' guitar renditions of Albeniz' music, Alicia de LaRoccha can't be beat in her 2 CD solo piano recording of Albeniz' works. Also, Williams' recording of Bach's Lute Suites can be considered "Volume 2" or an extension of this Williams' Albeniz guitar gem on account of similar warmth (in playing and apparent analog recording) and sensitivity. Enjoy!

Great Guitar.......2005-07-06

The guitar of John Williams, the music of Albeniz, the feel of Spain what more could you ask. This is a quality piece that is nice to the ears and senses. Well worth adding to your collection.

Evocative Albeniz .......2005-04-11

This CD contains nine pieces: Granada, Asturias, Sevilla, Mallorca, Cordoba, Torre Bermeja, Cadiz, Zambra Granadina and Tango - all played so evocatively, beautifully by guitarist John Williams that I couldn't resist playing this CD over and over despite knowing much of this music from hearing other classical guitarists. If I have any complaint, it is that the CD is too short.

Realistic sound quality. Highly recommended. For the Suite Espanola, Op. 47, do try Julian Bream's CD of Spanish Guitar Music on RCA/BMG. On my shopping list is Manuel Barrueco's Albeniz and Turina CD on EMI, and Jason Vieaux's Sevilla album (all Albeniz transcriptions).

Stock Photography from the Balearics.......2004-03-25

If you like this Spanish music, take a look to one of the following links: http://www.balearicpictures.net http://www.mallorcapictures.com http://www.menorcapictures.com http://www.ibizapictures.net http://balearicpictures.net http://mallorcapictures.com http://menorcapictures.com http://ibizapictures.net

A Classic.......2001-10-09

This is the album that got me hooked on Spanish guitar - first listening, then playing. From the heart-pounding Asturias to the bright Granada and sunny Cadiz, I love this album - and go back to it frequently.

Tracks:

Sevilla - Eduardo Fernandez
Granada - Andres Segovia
Tango, Op. 165, No. 2 - Pepe Romero
Spanish Dance No. 5, Op. 37 'Andaluza' - Pepe Romero
Asturias - Pepe Romero
Recuerdos De La Alhambra - Eduardo Fernandez
Soleares - Eduardo Fernandez
Malague Pepe Romero
Romance D'Amore - Goran Sollscher
Bouree - Narciso Yepes
Gavotte - Pepe Romero
Canarios - Alexandre Lagoya
Sonata In E Major, K.380 (L23) - Pepe Romero
Cavatina - Goran Sollscher
Largo - Goran Sollscher
Allegro - Pepe Romero
Adagio - Pepe Romero
Villano Y Ricercare (Adagietto - Andante Moderato - Andres Segovia

Average customer rating:

This CD will take you to Spain--whether you've been before or not.
MUSIC OF CATALUNYA

Spanish Guitar Recital

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Spanish Guitar Music

ASIN: B00005OC01
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

Mallora, Op.202
Ste Espanola, Op.47: Cataluna
Ste Espanola, Op.47: Granada
Ste Espanola, Op.47: Sevilla
Ste Espanola, Op.47: Cadiz
Cordoba (Cantos De Espana, Op.323 No.4)
Dedicatoria (From Cuentos Para La Juventud)
La Maja De Goya (Tonadilla)
Danza Espanola No.4 (Villanesca)
Valses Poeticos
Danza Espanola No.5
Ser
Tango Espanol
Guajira

Customer Reviews:

This CD will take you to Spain--whether you've been before or not........2006-03-08

It's true that both Albeniz and Granados--the two composers whose music makes up most of this recording--came from Catalonia, but for me these pieces breathe the jasmine-scented air of Andalucia. If you've ever watched the sunrise from the hills above Malaga or spent an August evening in the plazas of San Lucar de Barrameda, these works for guitar will bring back the tang of a good manzanilla to your lips. If you've never set foot in Spain, this music will bring you close to her summer nights--the softest I've ever experienced--and you may well find yourself longing to go.

Surprisingly, many of these pieces were born on the piano keyboard, but the ear of any Spanish composer is so attuned to the guitar that each of these works seems inseparable from the strings of the guitar. These haunting melodies--stately or spritely, meditative or lyrical--were meant to be plucked and strummed.

Julian Bream has devoted much of his life to this music, and he does not so much play them as let them come to life under his fingers. Listen to how the tentative, intimate beginning of 'Mallorca' opens onto a rippling dance figure. The most difficult passages unfold without apparent effort, but what is more unusual is Bream's ability to shape even the quietest passages with unobtrusive care.

If you love the Spanish guitar, treat yourself to this recording. If you've never heard how one guitar can weave a spell, this is your chance to find out.

MUSIC OF CATALUNYA.......2004-12-28

First, there are 14 tracks on this record, not 13. The item not mentioned comes after #7 listed here, and it is a transcription of an `old-style song' by Granados entitled La Maja de Goya. How tactful it is to call this music Spanish is something else I'm unsure of, all four composers being Catalan. Only the final two numbers are actually works written for the guitar, the two pieces by Emilio Pujol who died as recently as 1980 after a lifespan approximately as long as the combined total of any two of the three other composers who share this disc with him. The remaining works are transcriptions of piano compositions (except for the unmentioned song). The liner note does not state that these transcriptions are by Bream himself, but I had assumed that and I find the fact confirmed elsewhere.

This record is nothing short of heavenly, both the playing and the remarkable recorded quality that seems to bring the hearer face to face with the great Bream in person. It is all easy listening, and there are no show-off virtuoso numbers although several can't be simple, or at least not simple to play like this. For variety and versatility of tone, rhythm that is both strong and flexible, lyric beauty and a shining sense of affection for and understanding of the music I don't believe I have ever heard a guitar recital to surpass this. The Albeniz and Granados pieces that make up most of the selection were recorded in 1982, the other three items in the following year. I can't even attempt to name a favourite, but as I have a couple of piano performances of the `Spanish dance #5' of Granados played under the title `Andaluza' by no less than Michelangeli the comparison is going to be fascinating.

The liner note does its job quite adequately, which is more than I could say for some. The recording I've already mentioned - simply stunning. These pieces come under the classification `classical', and I have no quarrel with that so long as it doesn't deter lovers of the instrument who would, I have no doubt at all, swoop on this recital if it were called popular, light classical or something of that kind. Music is just music in the end, and this is very good music and very unchallenging music. As for guitar players, I'm sometimes inclined to think that there's Bream and there's everyone else.

Average customer rating:

Dinner Classics: Taste of Spain

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | New Age | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000277N
Release Date: 1991-01-09

Tracks:

Sevilla
Spanish Dance No. 5
Cadiz
Asturias
Granada
Fandanguillo, Op. 36
Homanaje A Tarrega: Soleares
La Maja De Goya
Danse Du Corregidor
Fisherman's Song
Miller's Dance
Rafaga Op. 53
Tango
Fandango
Majorca
Zambra Granadina
Cordoba

Average customer rating:

Best of the Best
"Authentic" style Spanish guitar music
Very disappointed
Pepe Romero is the greatest living guitarist ...
Nice selection, execution is a matter of taste.

Guitar Solos

Manufacturer: Philips
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

The Royal Family of the Spanish Guitar
Noches de España: Romantic Guitar Classics
Songs My Father Taught Me
Flamenco Fenomeno!
The Art of Pepe Romero: Guitar Favorites

ASIN: B000004152
Release Date: 1993-04-13

Tracks:

Romance
'Suite espanola' Op. 47: No. 3 Sevilla (sevillanas)
'Suite espanola' Op. 47: No. 1 Granada (serenata)
'Recuerdos de viaje' Op. 71: No. 6 Rumores de la caleta (malaguena)
'Recuerdos de viaje' Op. 71: Mallorca, Op. 202 (barcarola)
'Danzas espanolas' Op. 37: No. 5 Andaluza
'Espana, 6 hojas de album' Op. 165: No. 2 Tango
'Espana, 6 hojas de album' Op. 165: Asturias
Malaguena
Pavana
'Tres Preludios': Romantico
Capricho Arabe
Introduction And Variations On A Theme By Mozart, Op. 9
'Goyescas': Intermedio

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Best.......2007-02-03

I've been playing classical guitar for over 35 years, both as a professional and now as a hobby. Pepe's versions of Albeniz's song of Sevilla and Granada, on this recording, are the best I've ever heard. Pepe is the "best of the best" when expressing the soul of Spanish music. He was born in Malaga, Spain, which helps understand the sympathies and sensitivities he brings to the music on this album. He plays the music of a Granados, Albeniz and Tarrega with an inbred understanding. He plays his father's music as if he had written it. This album ranks as one of Pepe's best recordings. This album,plus the album of duets, entitled "Famous Spanish Dances",which he recorded with his brother Celin, are a MUST for any classical guitar enthusiast's library. Buy these recordings, if you can. They will bring you hours of pleasure.

"Authentic" style Spanish guitar music.......2005-01-03

A previous reviewer correctly pointed out Pepe Romero's interpretive style as "flamenco influenced" as opposed to the usual "classical guitar" style. This is because Pepe Romero was in fact a flamenco guitarist during his early career, only moving towards the classical repetoire his father performed some years later. This background has always shown itself in his performances so obviously, one hears the traditional flamenco flourishes and soul in his playing in these pieces. Mind you, Romero is not employing a 100% flamenco approach and technique here, but the interpretive leaning is apparent... it can be more accurately described as a mixture of the 2: flamenco fire tempered with classical sensibility and control.

And for the music of Spanish composers such as Albeniz, Granados and Tarrega, this is a very effective approach. Pepe Romero's sound and interprative style... his warm, dark, romantic tone... is one the general public most associates with when they hear the term "Spanish guitar". This isn't the case with the majority of classical guitarists today whose sounds and playing styles can easily make one no think of a variety of other instruments (such as a lute or harpsicord) despite the fact that they play the same instrument Pepe Romero does. Many classical guitarists today focus more on achieving a piano-like consistant sound, and would consider it an disservice to Albeniz or Tarrega to play thier works in any other way but strictly "serious", often nullyfying the unique Spanish characteristics of the music. Pepe Romero takes the opposite approach, he revels in bringing out the more Spanish-folk elements of the music and highlighting them to full effect with either explosive rasguado strumming or emphasizing the dance rhythm or a flurry of blazing spontaneuos scales... the listener simply does not imagine any other instrument but the guitar being able to do this. I would more properly categorize this CD as "Spanish guitar" as opposed to "Classical guitar".

In Pepe Romero's hands, "Sevilla" by Albeniz sounds very spontaneous and fresh, like a brilliant flamenco improvisation... yet at the very same time, refined and elegantly controlled. "Granada" sounds almost like an old familiar folk song to those of us who have heard this piece hundreds of times before. "Rumores de la Caleta" is always performed in the strict piano-like interpretation by classical guitarists. However, Pepe Romero throws caution to the wind and gives us fiery flamenco-styled strumming to replace the usual opening rolling arpeggios. One can almost hear the fierce tapping of a flamenco dancer in Romero's precussive type of chord changes. Indeed, Romero's interpretation allows these images to come to mind where the piano originals never seemed to.

Granados' "Andaluza" is a bit slower than I'm normally accustomed to, yet it's beauty is revealed in a very controlled manner. The Tarrega pieces also take on a new look with some more fiery passagework we don't usually hear, including "Capricho Arabe" which here is highly evocative and more clearly connects to its Moorish idea.

I wasn't crazy about Sor's "Variations on a Theme of Mozart" because it's overplayed and I've never been a fan of Romero's interpretations of this period of music. His style just isn't a good fit for Sor, other than a show of virtuosity. I could have done without this track.

Overall highly reccomended.

Very disappointed.......2003-05-29

Pepe Romero is a fine guitarist, and I like his more recent recordings very much, especially his guitar concerto recordings. However, this CD is a disappointment. The main problem is the horrible recording quality; if you like a muffled, tin can, heavy reverb sound, this may not be a problem for you. And if you like a flamenco-influenced style more than the classical guitar style, then you might be satisfied with these recordings as well. I prefer, for example, Parkening's version of "Rumores de la Caleta" and Williams' performance of "Leyenda." These criticisms notwithstanding, Romero is still one of the best guitarists around. His performance of "Fantasia para un Gentilhombre" with Academy of St. Martin is one of my favorites.

Pepe Romero is the greatest living guitarist ..........2003-01-14

and perhaps the greatest guitarist of the 20th century (and so far of the 21st too). This CD (which should probably have been titled "Spanish Guitar Solos" since that's all there is on it) contains plenty of evidence in favor of this opinion. Although each track showcases Pepe's flawless technique and inspired interpretations, my favorite is "Rumores de la Calleta," into which Pepe incorporates magnificent flamenco strumming. I must disagree with a previous review, which criticizes the speed at which Pepe plays "Les Jeux Interdits" and "Variations on a Theme of Mozart." The former, which he plays according to an AA/BB/A structure, would become tedious if played at a slower tempo, and the latter is intended to be a virtuosic display; Pepe's performance of it is the most exciting I've yet heard. My one criticism of the CD (not serious enough to remove a star) is that several of its tracks are to be found on another Pepe Romero CD, viz. "Spanish Guitar Favorites." But if you already have that one, this CD is worth having anyway, if only to hear Pepe play "Sevilla" with the kind of crisp vivacity only he can produce.

Nice selection, execution is a matter of taste........2001-10-23

Mr Romero has chosen a sound collection of Solo guitar pieces, although It seems that his foremost interest is to display his virtuoso prowess, which somewhat taints the fair. 'Romance' is played far too fast, even a beginning student would be chastised for this. Variations by Sor is also so fast it's silly, all the character of the piece is lost. This CD is very much a matter of taste, some of the pieces are wonderfully played, but I would prefer a more stylish approach.

Average customer rating:

Great intro to classical guitar
Outstanding background and meditation music
Great, Superb, Soothing
Great Nighttime Music
A GREAT "LOLLIPOP" CLASSICAL GUITAR CD

Day's End (Al Fin Del Día)

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000428E
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Tango
Romance 'Jeux interdits'
Suite espanola: Granada
Three Mazurcas
Neblina
Lagrima (Andante)
La maja de Goya
Habanera
Sonatina - II. Andante
Minuetto
Five Preludios
Danza espanola No.5: Andaluza
Six Conciones catatanas
Estudio sin luz
Cadiz

Customer Reviews:

Great intro to classical guitar.......2003-03-22

Al fin del Dia is really a great CD. This CD really makes you feel like your in Spain and the day is almost over. It is a neccesity for anyone who makes music a part of their life.

Outstanding background and meditation music.......2002-04-28

An excellent CD for background or meditation music. Lively enough to catch your attention, soothing enough to not be a distraction while you're working, studying, and so on. Everyone I've played this for has loved it, and asked me where they could find it. Highly recommended!

Great, Superb, Soothing.......2001-12-20

What a wonderful sound, the music and the mood it creates is superb. Helped my wife through the delivery of our first baby, aiding her relaxation and soothing her to sleep.

Great Nighttime Music.......2001-08-02

This is my two-year-old's favorite going-to-sleep music. Quiet and relaxing. Would recommend to any parent with a restless sleeper.

A GREAT "LOLLIPOP" CLASSICAL GUITAR CD.......1999-12-06

EVERY PIECE IS A WINNER! Lovely classical guitar "encore" type of pieces.

Music Review: