Pure Joy
J. T. Zinn | Phoenix, AZ USA | 05/01/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Guitar is often overlooked in the world of Classical Music. This recording should help change that. Gabriel Ayala puts forth an ambitious effort, giving his interpretations of classical pieces from around the world. The Yaqui guitarist displays his immense dexterity and subtlety from the CD's opening notes, his rendition of "Asturias - Leyenda" from Suite Espaniola by Isaac Albeniz. Throughout the recording, the power and grace of the classical guitar are full display, including a rendition of "Variations on a Theme" from Mozart's Magic Flute and a masterful performance of "Toccata & Fugue in D Minor" by Bach. Ayala's playing is pure joy. This wonderful CD is the perfect complement for those special quiet moments.
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Ranging in flavor from widely beloved Spanish songs to folk
Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 11/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Gabriel Ayala, a member of the Yaqui people of southern Arizona, presents Portraits: Music for Classical Guitar, an album revealing his prodigious talent and expertise playing classical and popular guitar compositions. Ranging in flavor from widely beloved Spanish songs to folk ballads to Bach, Portraits: Music for Classical Guitar is an absolute "must-have" for guitar music enthusiasts. The tracks are "Asturias - 'Leyenda'" (6:13), "Gymnopedie No. 1" (2:56), "Go from my window" (1:53), "Julia Florida" (4:17), "Evocacion" (1:53), "Introduction and Variations on a Theme from 'The Magic Flute' by Mozart" (8:10), "Melancholy Galliard" (2:34), "Wild Mountain Thyme" (2:10), "Fantasia Original" (5:25), "Toccata & Fugue in D minor" (9:00), and "Farewell Stromness" (4:39). 50 minutes, 16 seconds.
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