Beatiful string instrument recital
R. Rockwell | Brooklyn, NY USA | 12/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Naxos "Early Music" release features Christopher Wilson on vihuela which is a string instrument similar to the lute. This CD contains music from two early Spanish composers where the vihuela was all the rage in court circles. Both cmposers wrote in the traditional fantasia, but their styles are completely different. The liner notes state that Milan who was a professional musician wrote in a style which seemed to be improvisational but was in fact well planned while Narvaes seemed to stretch the range of the instrument taking it to new levels.
To my ears without even a hint of knowledge of music, both composers have created equally fascinating and beautiful works. This CD is not just a musical rarity of interest only to people who love early music but should belong in every collection. The melodies are hauntingly beautiful. I have played this CD so much that I practically have it memorized."