Search - Alexandre Tansman, Johann Sebastian Bach, Fernando Sor :: Martha Masters: Guitar Recital

The true romantic spirit of the guitar

guitar student Belgium | Belgium | 06/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After reading about Martha Masters in Classical Guitar Magazine, I got quite curious, and seen the very appealing price of the Naxos records, I did not hesitate to get out and by this one.
And what a record it is! Ms. Masters plays whith the spirit of a true romantic. Some times her playing is unbelievably delicate, and at other moments the music bursts with fervour and elan, and most of all, it all seems to come so naturall to her. The instrument completely subjects itself to her bidding.This results in a "Thème Varié et Finale" fom Ponce like you've never heard it before (this piece really is the highlight of the recording) and a very inspired execution of Tansman's Cavatina and Rodrigo's "En los Trigales". Also featured on this record is a less known piece by Johanson (I must admit I had never heard of him before). It's always nice to discover new things, and this piece is quite pleasant to listen to.
There is however, in my opinion one flaw in this record, and that's the Bach suite. maybe it's because I've played it myself and therefore am a little prejuged about some interpretations, but I really think it's played to romanticly. What makes the rest of this record so great kind of messes up the Bach. I have severale records of this suite and I must say this one doesn't rank among the top 5.
Bach however can be found on numerous records, good recordings of Tansman's Cavatina and Ponce's Thème Varié et Finale on the contrary are much rarer. This alone should be a good reason to buy this cd, you won't be disappointed."

A Gem of an Introduction

nancyn@fox.com | Studio City, California USA | 10/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The performance given by Martha Masters on this disc is that sumptuous combination of technical virtuosity and emotional connection to the very soul of the music being played. While other artists try to impress with flash (the "all sizzle, no steak" approach), Ms. Masters gives us a smorgasbord of colors and flavors to feast our ears on. The Tansman "Cavatina", if you are not familiar with it, is a terrific piece, and is flawlessly and sensitively addressed. Ponce's "Theme Varie et Finale" is wonderfully complex and played to perfection. Bach's Suite in E Minor is also a real treat....just stunning.
Bottom line is, this is a great introduction to an artist who is clearly on the ascending arc of an extraordinary career, with a selection of music which is a joy to hear. Do yourself a favor and buy it."