Customer Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful and evocative music from a master.
Comment: This album showcases Julian Bream's supreme ability to interpret the spanish classical repertoire as no-one else can. His extraordinary musical sensitivity and stunning technique allow him to bring this music alive, and to evoke the land and culture from which it came in vivid colour. The tonal range he coaxes from the instrument is incredible, and the quality of these recordings is particularly high.The pieces attempted here are a varied and rewarding selection. A highlight for me is Granados' wonderful "Danzas Españolas Op.37 No.4". The introduction is sparse and lightly phrased, with a dancing melody and chimed counter-rhythms that build into a rolling, powerful theme, and Bream plays it superbly. Albeniz's well-known "Suite española No. 1" is performed here with passion and energy. The "Tres Piezas Españolas" by Rodrigo are a fascinating and powerful trio - by turns playful, somber and dischordant, and urgent and passionate.
This is an outstanding album, well chosen and exquisitely performed, and an excellent addition to any collection.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Like a warm evening in Madrid
Comment: With his sheer variety of tone, Bream illustrates Beethoven's contention that the guitar is the instrument most like a full orchestra. In this recital of Albeniz and Granados piano works transcribed for guitar, we hear everything from a sharp cutting twang to a softer, mellifluous strum. The sounds are sometimes unexpected but always colorful and individual. Bream conveys great affection for this music in these warmly spontaneous performances. The overall result is like being at a recital in an intimate setting. This is highly recommended, especially with its added selections by Rodrigo. This "Navigator" reissue is not available everywhere so I urge you to take advantage of this offering!
