Search - Manuel Barrueco, Joaquin Rodrigo, Plácido Domingo :: Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez & Fantasia para un Gentilhombre; Manuel Barrueco

"Adagio" is very authentic !!!!!

08/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The second movement of this great composition is indeed the most authentic version I have ever heard since I first listened to this masterpiece 25 years ago .Andre Previn's version is also excellent. I have heard John Williams's version and respectfully submit that Manuel Barrueco truly captures the soul and spirit of Joaquin Rodrigo in a Concierto clearly composed for the Gods!!!!!!"

Surprises all around!

Peter Chordas | Portland, OR USA | 02/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been looking for a nice rendition of the "Rodrigo, Concierto de Aranjuez" for quite some time. In the 1970's, Time-Life put out a composer series LP's which, if you bought, would send you one composer a month. My father ordered it and the Rodrigo was new to us. We spent many hours listening to the Concierto and I have no idea who the guitarist was.



Since that time, I have had several recordings of this piece, none to my liking. Although the Christopher Parkening performance displays astounding technique. Then I heard this pleasing recording on the radio (NPR) while driving on a road trip. I missed who it was by when I tuned in but I knew the piece well enough to identify it and looked it up on line when I got to my destination. To my surprise, it was Placido Domingo conducting. I of course knew of him only as an operatic singer. Soon after, I bought this recording and have enjoyed it immensely. I love listening to it and it even makes for nice background music during dinner parties. Guests often ask who this music is by and write it down so that they don't forget and buy it for themselves.



As for the guitar playing by Manuel Barrueco, I find his expression quite satisfying. I don't recognize "missed notes" as one negative reviewer reports. Instead, I feel his reading and playing to be sensitive and smoothly performed. Domingo allows the orchestra to enhance but not over shadow the guitarist. I don't know if his being Spanish has anything to do with it but he clearly captures the richness and flavor of Rodrigo's Spain. This is a very nice rendition and a compliment to Rodrigo, Domingo, and Barrueco. It is also a fine addition to anyone's classical collection."

Spanish Soul Concerto

Rudy Avila | Lennox, Ca United States | 11/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rodrigo's Concierto De Aranjuez has never sounded more Spanish than on this EMI recording conducted by Spanish tenor Placido Domingo. Aside from his career as a tenor, Domingo has for a few years since the 90's developed as a conductor as well. This natively Spanish album of guitar and orchestral music is wholly suited to his talents. I love the opening movement, allegro con spirito, with its brisk, jovial rhythms and it is a sharp contrast from the sensually slow adagio. The rest of the album contains Spanish orchestral pieces and songs, almost the equivalent of Lieder. Especially when sung by Domingo, "Capilllas De Belen" "Un Tiemp Fue Italica Famosa" and "Coplas del Pastor" are romantic Spanish Lieder. The "Fantasy for a Knight" - Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre" is admirably executed. EMI has done a lot of great albums that prominently feature Domingo and this is one that speaks to his authentically Spanish soul...and to the Spanish audience.

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