Search - Agustin Barrios Mangore, Alexander-Sergei Ramirez :: Confesion

Among the Greatest of All Time

Andrew F. Ackers | New York, NY USA | 06/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a composer myself, and follower of Barrios' music, I am aware of recordings of his works including Williams, Lemaigre, Russell, and even Barrios, himself. What this new Barrios recording by Alexander Sergei Ramirez has is a natural sense of Latin American rhythm. Indeed, it is also another magnificent example of this artist's uniquely gifted musical talent, style and overall ability to recapture a composer's art.I rarely hear musical lines that "sing" on the guitar as on this well-produced recording. With perfect clarity and an extremely beautiful tone and vibrato, the expanse of musical colors Ramirez evokes resonates far beyond each musical selection. Ramirez works, formerly recorded on Denon, have always represented pure music-making. No wonder that Deutsche Grammophon has chosen him to represent the music of this well-heralded but sometimes obscure "Genius from Paraguay." In addition to well-recognized Barrios compositions such as "La cathedral," and the hauntingly performed, "Una Limosna por el amor de dios," "Confesión" contains lesser known but superbly unique compositions such as "La Smaritana," "Estilo Uruguayo," and "Leyenda de Espana."This Deutsche Grammophon album advances the historical context of classical guitar music in general and is a tribute like no other to Agustin Barrios Mangoré. Importantly, it unquestionably positions Alexander Sergei Ramirez, already one of classical guitar's leading living legacies, among the greatest classical guitar performers of all time."

Should be a classic, classic guitar album

D. Pawl | 06/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have never heard anything before from composer Mangore and nothing from this performer Ramirez either but if you like classic, postromantic/modern style classic guitar this is highly recommended becuase it has nice music and it is performed very lyrical in mellow Paraguay style (even if the player is from Peru he probably, in that lyrical Paraguyan style, is true to the composers intentions).This is a relaxing disc and very good music well played. I am happy, grabbing this one by chance, that I did so.Highly recommended"