Search - Ovchinnikov, Oleg Timofeyev, D. Kushenov-Dmitrievsky :: The Golden Age of Russian Guitar, Vol. 2

A sumptuous feast of guitar music you've never heard before

M. Greenberg | Lawrence, KS USA | 05/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We have been fortunate to have had two live performances/lectures by Dr. Timofeyev at the University of Kansas, where he spoke about and demonstrated the music for the Russian seven-string guitar. This is a scholar who has done groundbreaking work in reconstructing the social context of this music, which was played by talented Russian aristocrats, among others, in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The present recording contains longer, more ambitious compositions and less instant gratification than Timofeyev's marvelous first guitar album, Golden Age of Russian Guitar, vol. 1, but the playing is just as sparkling, thoughtful, passionate, and compelling. Timofeyev, who holds a PhD in musicology (his dissertation is on the 19th century Russian guitar repertoire) brings both erudition and great sensitivity to the music that he has rediscovered. Not only has he opened up a wealth of neglected musical heritage for the western audience, but also for his native Russia, where the Segovia craze long ago submerged the native seven-string tradition. Lovers of guitar music who have had their fill of Giuliani, Sor, Villa Lobos, etc., will find Timofeyev's recordings a refreshing change. These recordings are must-haves for the guitar connoiseur. Keep an eye open for this promising, creative young musician/scholar and expect further exciting and innovative projects from him in the future."