Search - Peter Katona, Zoltan Katona :: Rodrigo: Concierto Madrigal

Okay

03/12/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"A Grammophone reviewer gave this album a rave review. I don't ordinarily agree with Gram. -- a reviewer was somewhat negative, for instance, on a Clara Schumann boxed set that I bought anyhow on the chance that it might be fine, since there was no other Clara Schumann available at the time. I thought the boxed set was wonderful. Here, I have to also disagree. Although this CD is okay -- the music is played competently -- it misses something important. From what the Gram. reviewer said, this is a unique experience to hear the Katona twins play in that special harmony you find in twins. I haven't heard that and so must listen to the CD more to detect any special harmonies. What I heard was a rather stiff performance, backed up by an orchestration that neither overwhelmed nor really coordinated with the soloists. The performance here is worth listening to, but on the other hand, it clearly lacks the charm, spirit and intimacy of the Romeros. Can't say that I'd recommend this album."

Bravissimo

09/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Katona brothers have enriched the recordings of classical guitar yet again with their outstanding performance of Rodrigo's "Concerto Madrigal" for two guitars. This CD possesses, frankly put, the most definitive and enjoyable rendition of Rodrigo's beautiful but underplayed double guitar concerto yet recorded. The Concerto Madrigal has been recorded by eminent guitarists in the past, including Williams/Bream and the talented Romeros, but never with so much passion, precision, and pure virtuosity- (which is likely one significant reason why this gorgeous work has been so underappreciated and underheard in the classical music world). The speed, technical prowess, and sheer musicality which the Katonas display in their performance is simply breathtaking- and finally do justice to a piece which should be more widely recognised as one of Rodrigo's great guitar works. Quick passages such as the "fandango" evoke the fire and passion of the Spanish bullfighter in the heat of the ring, while the slower movements such as the "Pastorcico" and the "Pastoral" are played with a quiet and gentleness which bring out all the delicate beauty, romance, and serenity that might accompany a slow afternoon stroll in the beautiful Alhambra gardens. To top it all off, the Katonas perform their own skilful transcriptions of lesser known Rodrigo pieces, as the heartstopping "Tonadilla," on their latest album. This CD has apparently already earned a well-deserved Gramophone "Top 10 CDs of the Month" award, and will one day become a legendary recording in the annals of guitar history, I have little doubt. Bravissimo, Katona brothers, for this wonderful CD. Truly great classical guitar players are still an unfortunate rarity, and it is only a shame that Rodrigo himself did not live long enough to hear the amazing Katonas play his fantastic "Concerto Madrigal" with the virtuostic brilliance, colour, and passion it truly deserves. Almost needless to say, for classical guitar and music lovers (especially those who love Spanish music), this CD is a definite "buy.""