Classical Guitar Recordings

[Bachtoven]

This is really good. This guy is the real deal - poetic, graceful touch and many of his own transcriptions. Much of the repertoire is romantic rather than overtly virtuoso. I say that, but the next track is the Rachmaninov so I could be wrong!

Every piece isn't wildly virtuoso in a show-off manner, but believe me, every piece is plenty hard to play! He has an all-baroque recording coming out on DG at the end of March. Should be a winner. By the way, I met him after a concert a few years ago--he's just as nice as he is talented.

[aligreto]

Finishing off this fine album today:


Los Romeros: 





Anon.: Callino Casturame
Robinson: A Plain Song
Anon.: Le Rossignol
Anon.: Watkins Ale
Dowland: Fortune, my Foe
Dowland: My Lord Willoughby is Welcome Home
Anon.: The King's Morisco
Loeillet: Minuet

All four Romeros do not play together on every work. Various combinations are offered depending on the work, but never less than two of them play together. You get what you expect from these guys i.e. top class playing. The sound quality is also very good and this is particularly evident when all four play together.

[aligreto]

Well...I did my first perusal of this classical guitar thread. 

@Dry Brett Kavanaugh
@aligreto

I hope that you found something to interest you.

[aligreto]

Sadly, Gilardino died a little over a year ago. He wrote well over 100 high quality works for solo guitar, guitar ensembles, chamber music, and concertos. His music is freely tonal and often makes huge demands on the players. Some of the works on this recording have a manic intensity. I streamed it on Qobuz.

That sounds interesting. I will have to check him out.

[Brahmsian]

I hope that you found something to interest you.

No purchases yet.  Just wishlisted some things.  I'll have some inquiries incoming to the experts here, as I practically have zero knowledge of classical music for classical guitar.

[aligreto]

No purchases yet.  Just wishlisted some things.  I'll have some inquiries incoming to the experts here, as I practically have zero knowledge of classical music for classical guitar.

It is not for everyone Ray, to be honest. I would suggest streaming or sampling prior to any purchases. This will obviously help to determine what you like and what you do not like. You may or may not know that many contributors here do play or have played guitar so there can be a bit of "technical appreciation" involved for some even when the music is not particularly lyrical. So best to sample is my advice. 

[Brahmsian]

It is not for everyone Ray, to be honest. I would suggest streaming or sampling prior to any purchases. This will obviously help to determine what you like and what you do not like. You may or may not know that many contributors here do play or have played guitar so there can be a bit of "technical appreciation" involved for some even when the music is not particularly lyrical. So best to sample is my advice. 

Good advice indeed.  The reason for the spark of interest is actually through perusing the Manuel de Falla Spanish Soul Warner set, which I have been going through the past three days.  I'm rifling through it like knife through butter! 

Anyhow, of particular WOW factor were some of the transcriptions done for classical guitar.  Hence now why I am here exploring. 

So, my questions and inquiries will probably begin specifically around Spanish Music for guitar, based on my Falla experience.

[aligreto]

Good advice indeed.  The reason for the spark of interest is actually through perusing the Manuel de Falla Spanish Soul Warner set, which I have been going through the past three days.  I'm rifling through it like knife through butter! 

Anyhow, of particular WOW factor were some of the transcriptions done for classical guitar.  Hence now why I am here exploring. 

So, my questions and inquiries will probably begin specifically around Spanish Music for guitar, based on my Falla experience.

No better place to start, Ray. Best of luck with your exploration 

[Brahmsian]

This is the only classical recording of classical guitar music that I have in my collection.  I got given to me as  a gift even before I got into classical music from a former work colleague.

I also previously had a CD of a young Canadian classical guitarist named Aaron Brock, who died basically right before or after the release of his only recording on Analekta.  However, I no longer have this disc.  Died in 2006 at age 31.  Such a tragedy.

[Brahmsian]

So, as I mentioned earlier....after going through the fabulous Manuel de Falla, The Spanish Soul box set on Warner and being particularly gobsmacked by the amazing transcriptions for classical guitar...here I am. 

By the way - I highly recommend this set (if like me), you were/are new to Falla and would like to explore his music.







Looking for (a few) recommendations for classical guitar (particularly Spanish music), to start.  I do have a few things saved on the "wishlist" which I will sample.

[Bachtoven]

I've played classical guitar for about 45 years, so I know the repertoire and its recordings very well! This huge collection by Manuel Barrueco contains a lot of Spanish music, both original and transcriptions. (By the way, Falla wrote one magical work for the guitar, "Homage a Debussy," which is on this set available on Qobuz and other streaming platforms):


These are also good and are available to stream:




(The entire series, each played by a different guitarist, is very good.

[Brahmsian]

I've played classical guitar for about 45 years, so I know the repertoire and its recordings very well! This huge collection by Manuel Barrueco contains a lot of Spanish music, both original and transcriptions. (By the way, Falla wrote one magical work for the guitar, "Homage a Debussy," which is on this set available on Qobuz and other streaming platforms):

Thanks for these recommendations!

On the set of the Spanish Soul, Manuel Barrueco was featured! He played his transcription for guitar of Falla's El Sombrero de très picos, The four dances. Absolutely fabulous and I cannot stop humming the Danza de los vecinos. 😊

And yes..... Homenaje "Le tombeau de Claude Debussy" is marvelous!

[Papy Oli]

A few days ago, I mentioned in the Classical Chat thread a documentary/tribute about film maker Christopher Nupen who had recently passed away. Among his films was one about Segovia at home, a couple of musical extracts thereof were included.

I found the whole film on YT, thought that could be of interest here:

 

In the viewing queue it goes but the tidbit I saw in the Nupen documentary was enough to spur me to sample some of Segovia's recordings since.

[Brahmsian]

Some things I have on the wishlist, based on this threads' recommendations from others (won't get them all and overwhelm myself). 

@Papy Oli
@aligreto
@Brian
@Dry Brett Kavanaugh


Thank you @Bachtoven ....I've added the Barrueco to that wish list.

[Brahmsian]

I had this for quite awhile but gave it away, and I really don't know why.  Oh well, I think we may have all done this from time to time.  I know @aligreto will know this recording (I saw you post about it also on GMG).  He is a late classical era French composer.

Download available at Presto, and there are samples.



Antoine de Lhoyer - Spinosi

Includes one concerto and three compositions for guitar duo.

[aligreto]

OK, Ray, here are just a few thoughts off the top of my head concentrating on the Music of Spain to begin with.

Julian Bream, who was an excellent guitarist, issued a whole series based on hi playing. This particular CD seems very relevant:





but, to be honest, any of the CDs in that series will be rewarding.


One cannot talk about Spanish guitar music without referring to Rodrigo. Here is a very good introduction:





and one cannot talk about Rodrigo without discussing Concierto De Aranjuez.
If I could have composed just one piece of Classical Music it would be this one.
All of the great guitarists have recorded this work but my all time favourite and recommendation is played by Carlos Bonell:




I will leave it at that at the moment to avoid overwhelming you as you have already mentioned. 

[aligreto]

Some things I have on the wishlist, based on this threads' recommendations from others (won't get them all and overwhelm myself). 

That is one of the stand out performance CDs that I have heard form any guitarist. She plays impeccably here.
It comes with a very strong recommendation from me.

Any of that Naxos Guitar Laureate Series should also serve you well as a recording is one of the benefits of the prize winner.

[aligreto]

A few days ago, I mentioned in the Classical Chat thread a documentary/tribute about film maker Christopher Nupen who had recently passed away. Among his films was one about Segovia at home, a couple of musical extracts thereof were included.

I found the whole film on YT, thought that could be of interest here:

 

In the viewing queue it goes but the tidbit I saw in the Nupen documentary was enough to spur me to sample some of Segovia's recordings since.

Just as an aside I recommended this 5 CD box set to a fellow member and sometime guitarist here and he was quite taken by it at the time

[aligreto]

I had this for quite awhile but gave it away, and I really don't know why.  Oh well, I think we may have all done this from time to time.  I know @aligreto will know this recording (I saw you post about it also on GMG).  He is a late classical era French composer.

Download available at Presto, and there are samples.



Antoine de Lhoyer - Spinosi

Includes one concerto and three compositions for guitar duo.

Not to rub a Kilo of salt into a deep wound but I do not know why you gave it away either, my friend. 

[Brahmsian]

Not to rub a Kilo of salt into a deep wound but I do not know why you gave it away either, my friend. 

I actually thought I still had it.  Again, this was an "early Ray era" of classical music (music that was featured on CBC Radio II, a Canadian Classical music station at the time).  Upon hearing it on the radio, I ordered it online (probably around 2006/2007ish?)  Anyway, I had given away some CDs some time ago trying to purge for space (and this one just didn't make the cut).  Perhaps at that point in time I just wasn't really much into guitar music.

The good news is I am getting a streaming subscription to Presto (as a birthday present - July, from my girlfriend), and this recording is on there for me to enjoy again!