Search - Joaquin Rodrigo, Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields :: Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Fantasía para un Gentilhombre

Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Fantasía para un Gentilhombre
Joaquin Rodrigo, Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Fantasía para un Gentilhombre
Genres: Dance & Electronic, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

Rodrigo's two "greatest hits," these works for guitar and orchestra made a convenient and frequent LP coupling, but they are a skimpy CD program. One recommendable feature of this CD is the inclusion of two lovely works fo...  more »

     
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Rodrigo's two "greatest hits," these works for guitar and orchestra made a convenient and frequent LP coupling, but they are a skimpy CD program. One recommendable feature of this CD is the inclusion of two lovely works for solo guitar along with an equally lovely piece for violin and orchestra. Rodrigo deserves to be more than a two-hit wonder, and bravo to Philips for exposing a little more of his music like this. Still, the performances of the "hits" are our major concern here. Pepe Romero plays with complete command of the music, and in the affecting slow movement of the "Concierto" (composed, as we learned only after his death, to mourn the loss of a child who died at birth), he plays his heart out. Marriner and the not so small orchestra give outstandingly crisp and sensitive support, and the recording manages the difficult feat of balancing guitar and orchestra so that the solo instrument remains audible without sounding artificially boosted. There are many fine versions of the concertos on CD, including one by Pepe's brother Angel, several by John Williams, and one by Manuel Barrueco with Placido Domingo conducting. But this Philips disc is as good as any and does have the advantage of the extra music. --Leslie Gerber

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S A A. (MusicLover) from E FAIRFIELD, VT
Reviewed on 11/3/2006...
superb!

CD Reviews

Elegant Spanish ambience
Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 11/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"It would be hard to find more beautiful music or better interpretations of Rodrigo's music than what is on this disc. Besides the "Concierto de Aranjuez" and "Fantasia para un gentilhombre," probably the most recognizeable Rodrigo songs, this disc features many more equally compelling Rodrigo numbers. Recorded in 1992 at Watford Town Hall in London ,the musicianship featured by Pepe Romero is stupendous and equal to other versions I own of Rodrigo's music. If you love Spanish guitar you will love this music that creates images of court life in old world Spain. His technical skill on classical Spanish guitar is only matched by his sensitivity to the gentle nuances of the music. His virtuosity is masterful and blends wonderfully with the SMTF, creating a heavenly marriage of sound. Sir Neville Mariner does a masterful job conducting the various horns and violins to soothe the soul. This is music to lift the spirit when it is a little down. When the whole world seems upside down and insane the beauty of Rodrio's music can create feelings of hope amidst the chaos. In a post 9/11 world it was the music of Rodrigo that helped me get back into music and on with life. Although the accompanying booklet is a treat, written in four languages and includes nice photographs of the participating artists, including Rodrigo, it is the music that makes this disc a valuable addition to one's collection. Technically the music is way beyond my understanding, although the booklet helps, I only know that I appreciate the sound and love it. I would dare say, if you buy it, you'll love it too. This is music that those not versed in any classical training or do not listen to regularly can appreciate for it's sheer beauty. You don't have to be a classical purist to enjoy this disc, so don't be shy, add this to your collection."
A breathtaking performance!
drfizz | Florida, USA | 11/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is without question the definitive recording of the Concierto de Aranjuez. Every classical CD collection should contain this album. Pepe Romero has performed the perfect marriage between technical virtuosity and emotional interpretation. As well, the SMTF Orchestra matches Romero note-for-note making for a truly magical listening experience."