Search - Sharon Isbin, Antonio Vivaldi, Lawrence Foster :: Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez

Sharon Isbin + Joaquin Rodrigo = BRILLIANCE

Erik North | San Gabriel, CA USA | 03/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sharon Isbin, one of the most pre-eminent classical guitarists America has ever produced, gave us this impressive recording in which she essays what is perhaps the most popular of all concertos for her particular instrument--Joaquin Rodrigo's 1939 "Concierto De Aranjuez." Ms. Isbin plays this concerto brilliantly, particularly in the famous Adagio--one of the most famous single movements in musical history. She also essays Rodrigo's later "Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre", based on the works of the late 17th century Spanish guitarist and composer Gaspar Sanz, plus a guitar transcription of Vivaldi's Concerto In D Major For Lute.Ably assisted by American conductor Lawrence Foster and Switzerland's excellent Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, Ms. Isbin has made one of the great concerto recordings of the 20th century here. Indeed, Rodrigo himself cited Ms. Isbin's recording of "Aranjuez" as his personal favorite of the dozens of recordings the work has received over the decades. Vigorously recommended for classical music fans the world over."