Parkening demonstrates complete mastery of the instrument !!
05/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording is an incredible interpretation of 17 beautiful songs. Parkening shows complete mastery of ALL songs, which, as a classical guitarist myself, I must say are extremely difficult. This album is a perfect example of what every classical guitarist should should aspire to. Especially interesting is his version of the traditional Spanish song "Romance" (Anonymous), which was personally arranged for Parkening by his cousin."
Parkening- among the greatest guitarists of this century
04/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have listened to many great performers, live and on records but perhaps none of them impressed me so deeply as Christopher Parkening. This CD contains a few of the guitar music gems, performed with flawless technique, exquisite sound and profound understanding of the interpretation..."
Great Introduction to Classical Guitar
TJD3 | Kansas City | 04/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My parents had this on vinyl when I was kid. I listened to it a lot in high school when I was listening to a lot of musical styles. This and Parkening's Bach CD are probably my two favorite classical guitar discs.
As a rock/blues/pop guitarist, I've been learning some classical over the last few years. And this disc has been my reference. Parkening's playing is confident and enjoyable. Capricho Arabe stands out as does the Sor studies that he covers.
My only complaint is Leyenda, his performance is less than passionate and the recording doesn't sound EQ'd correctly in a few spots. Other artists have better recordings of this song (John Williams comes to mind).
If you are looking for a great classical guitar CD, this is a great place to start."
Excellent collection
Redgecko | USA | 05/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the album that made me want to take up classical guitar. Great selection of songs, played with incredible feeling and tone. Brilliant performances of Capricho Arabe, Recuerdos and the Villa-Lobos and Ponce Preludes. His rendition of Romance is what every student should strive for. The student (Parkening) has most definitely learned all of his master's (Segovia) lessons and went even further. Still fresh after 25 years of regular listening."
Parkening in top form
W. C Donovan | Boston, MA | 02/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Christopher Parkening's technical prowess is in full effect here, showing he's truly the ultimate successor to the great Andres Segovia. I don't know about grunting, but if you listen closely, there is some noticeable sighing from Parkening on a few of the tracks, especially the third. Presumably, he was getting weary from all the work his fingers were getting in playing those immensely complex arrangements. But to go as for as to say it ruins the recording is ludicrous. In fact, the sighing adds to the intimacy and accessibility of the recording. I had always felt distant while listening to a Parkening album because he sounded TOO polished. He plays great here, but to hear his voice, even in its slightest audible sound, adds to the album's charm.If you're a classical guitar enthusiast, this album is essential."