Search - Federico Mompou, Peter Fletcher :: Federico Mompou: Suite Compostelana; Canciones y danzas

Peter Fletcher makes the guitar sing

J. Poss | Pahrump, Nevada | 10/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Usually I only write reviews of CDs when the CD inspires me to do so, either negatively of positively. In this case, I'm happy to say that it was positive inspiration. After listening to this CD I was amazed at the subtleties of expression that Peter Fletcher exudes from his guitar. It's as if the guitar is singing to you. This is what the guitar is all about. No other instrument can sing in such subtleties and it can only truly "sing" in the lap of the best performers. Let me give you an example of what I mean. Listen to the sample of the beginning of the Preludio from the Suite Compostelana performed by Mr. Fletcher. It starts out barely audible and subtly increases in volume then diminishes then increases again; this arching of dynamics is true musical poetry. Listen for the tasteful use of vibrato and color throughout these pieces. It's what makes these this CD so interesting, enjoyable and touching to listen to. (NOTE: Color on the guitar is achieved in several ways, one by plucking the strings closer to the bridge or farther away. Closer to the bridge gives a tinnier sound and farther away gives a warmer rounded sound). Let's compare Peter Fletcher's performance with another young guitarist, Antigoni Goni on Naxos (ASIN: B0000014FB Catalog number 553774 or 8553774). Try sampling Ms. Goni's performance of the Preludio and compare it to Mr. Fletcher's. You'll see that Ms. Goni's does not add the dynamics and color that Mr. Fletcher does. To be honest though, I did like Ms. Goni's slower tempo on the Canción from the Suite Compostelana, but over all Mr. Fletcher takes the prize for me. In fact, I've listened to various pieces of the Suite Compostelana performed by Mr. Segovia, Mr. Parkening, Mr. Tennant, and Mr. Bream as well. All have their strengths and weaknesses. Mr. Fletcher's is the most poetic and musically satisfying performance of all of them. Regarding the rest of the CD, Mompou's 14 Canciónes y Danzas. I was first introduced to these piano pieces in 1997 by Stephen Hough on the Hyperion label (CDA66963) and in 1998 by Jordi Maso on Naxos (8.554332). All but No. 13 were transcribed for the guitar by Peter Fletcher himself. No. 13 is an original composition for guitar. This is the first and only recording of these pieces on guitar. Thanks to Mr. Fletcher, this adds a major work to the guitar repertoire. His transcriptions reveal a superb kinship with Mompou's music. His performances of the 14 Canciónes y Danzas are superbly subtle and delicate and sometimes bold and brash when called for by the music. His love for Mompou's music shines through. You'll find much touchingly beautiful music to replenish your soul in this CD. The recorded quality is very good. THIS CD IS A MUST HAVE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT."

Excellent performance and transcriptions

Geoffrey P. Smith | ATLANTA, GA USA | 10/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Suite Compostelana is a staple for concert guitarists, and here receives a beautifully shaded and shaped performance. The real treats are the guitarist's own transcriptions of Mompou's atmospheric and translucent piano miniatures, many of which I'm guessing may only be known to connoiseurs. This is fine playing, very well recorded and generous at nearly 80 minutes."

Magnificent!

pross9@aol.com | nyc, ny | 09/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First rate solo guitar CD. Colorful, virtuosic, spontaneous, rich playing. Ranks with the world's finest classical guitar recordings. A musical treat, don't miss it."