Fantasia para un gentilhombre: Villano y Ricercare
Fantasia para un gentilhombre: Espanoleta y Fanfare de la caballeria de Napoles
Fantasia para un gentilhombre: Danza de la hachas
Fantasia para un gentilhombre: Canarios
Canconeta
Invocation et danse: Moderato
Invocation et danse: Allegro moderato: Polo
Trois petites pieces: Ya se van los pastores
Trois petites pieces: Por caminos de Santiago
Trois petites pieces: Pequena sevillana
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 »r 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« less
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
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."
As good as it gets
J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 04/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An extraordinary recording and really a triumph for both Romero and ASMF/Marriner. Beautiful recorded sound and just the right amount of cultural flair and virtuosity make this a winning disc in every way. Romero was a friend of Rodrigo and there is every indication that this is a definitive performance. I saw Romero perform this work several years ago in Colorado and seeing him live was breathtaking. This recording effectively brings that concert back to life for me. The other works on the disc are equally fine."
Incredible beauty
Jonathan E. Thompson | Pensacola, FL | 01/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Concierto de Aranjuez is undoubtedly the loveliest guitar concerto ever written, and Pepe Romero (perfectly paired here with the ASMIF) plays it with impeccable skill and delicacy. The first and third movements are playful and spirited, but the real essence of the concerto lies in its achingly beautiful second movement. I guarantee that you will be hard pressed to find a more rapturous piece of music. Also, the rest of the disc is filled with other, equally delightful works by Rodrigo, most notably the Fantasia. If you are a fan of classical guitar, or simply appreciate beauty in its purest form, buy this disc!"
Nearly the best performance
J. Buxton | 11/12/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although already possessing a copy of the Concierto de Aranjuez on CD, I ordered this version after a documentary on the life of Rodrigo was shown on Channel 4 some time ago. Included in the programme was the finest performance of the Adagio movement that I have ever heard - far more emotionally involving than any other performance, either live or on disc. It was performed by Romero/Marriner/ASMITF, and I was hoping that this would be the version on the CD. However, while the CD contained a nice interpretation of the music, it did not quite match the TV performance for sheer beauty and emotion, which was outstanding in every way. Therefore, while I feel that this CD edition is very good, it still falls short of my (high) expectations.
The other tracks make a nice compliment to the CD, and again seem to be of a high standard.
So, while this is by any standards a superb performance, I will always be comparing it to the other performance in a slightly unfavourable light, and will continue to search for that edition."