7/1999

Classical Guitar

For such a highly specific disc I decided to read the CD notes first - and very intelligent and interesting they are too, with thought-provokating opinions about Torres and the guitar world he inhabited, and firm thoughts on both Tarrega and Llobet. And who had written these notes? Why, none other than Stefano Grondona himself. Somehow, I expected something good after this. And I wa not disappointed. It was a real pleasure to almost rediscover Miguel Llobet's beautiful song arrangements, some having become bywords for succinet guitar loveliness, some barely heard. Grondona's phrasing is a thing of beauty, a perfect understanding of the music's spaciousness, with a true appreciation of dynamic shaping. The tone he draws from the Torres guitar he plays is sumptous, and there is never one moment of even the slightest excess of any form throughout the 15 pieces: interpretation of the highest order. I urge you to enjoy this half forgotten legacy: I bet, like me, you'll be getting the music out for some of them again ... there is so much to take pleasure in that it seems invidious to highlight particular pieces, so I won't. Hear them yourselves. The scene alters with Tarrega's dashing Danza Mora, and again Grondona gets right inside it with his very precise technique. The Minueto is as firm and direct as you could hope for. And then, for me, another big attraction, the recording of 21 preludes: although in some cases they are barely longer than a sigh they nevertheless melt one into another quite charmingly here. Succinet miniatures of light architecture, they reveal quite a different side to Tarrega from the customary received view - the composer of the magificent Recuerdos, or the arranger of a mixed bag of fare: these little jewels shine brightly. It brings a smile to hear Lagrima so enchantingly performed by such a fine player. And the vivacious dash of No. 17, contrasting with the measured dignity of the ensuing no. 18; there are many such aried vignettes. The whole set is rounded out with the heart on the sleeve romantisicm of no. 21 (endecha), which leads nicely into a fine rendition of the Capricho Arabe, full of expression and a very satisfying performance aesthetic. If someone plays with real integrity and skill, almost any repertoire can be appreciated. Enjoying this disc as I did took me way past that - here is a most satisfying artistic project, containing beautiful and underplayed music, offered by an artist of admirable taste.