Rupert Boyd writes: “This is an album of love. But also of despair. And some things in between. Largely conceived, arranged, rehearsed and recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, Songs of Love & Despair contains the music that we were drawn to during this time -- a time of unprecedented stillness and solitude, traveling at most a few miles from our home for months on end. As a married couple we were fortunate to be able to play music together every day, and this collection of repertoire is half love, half longing; from the delicate beauty of Debussy and the joyousness of Boccherini, to the anguish of Messiaen and heartbreaking Appalachian folk songs, which tell the stories of love, life and loss. The album is a testament to this time, and we welcome you to join us as we traverse the emotions that have enveloped us all.” The album encompasses music from Luigi Boccherini to The Beatles to Beyoncé, from Franz Schubert to Florence B. Price to Radiohead.
REVIEW:
Guitarist Rupert Boyd and his wife, cellist Laura Metcalf, have released their second recording and it includes transcriptions of well-known pieces such as Debussy’s ‘Arabesque No. 1’ with delicately articulated arpeggios by the guitar providing a graceful accompaniment to the lyrical cello melody. Schubert’s ‘Gretchen am Spinnrade’ is delivered fluidly with deep romantic passion in an arrangement by Napoleon Coste (1805–83).
‘A New York Minute’ by Marian Budos, is bursting with energy and close coordination between the two players. Metcalf’s sense of drama and razor-sharp intonation combine to achieve a powerful delivery.
Two arrangements by Lennon and McCartney are pleasantly performed and would be crowd pleasers in concert.
The recorded tone of each of the two instruments is realistic, but the cello is somewhat overpowering on some tracks.
Liner notes are informative and entertaining. All in all, this is an effective project, mixing known works with the new ones—always a plus!
Albéniz, Granados et al.: Master of Guitar vol. 4, Spain 1926-63 / Rodes, Anido, Diaz Cano, Gómez, Llobet, Sainz de la Maza, Iglesias, Angel
IDIS
CD
$16.99May 06, 2022
IDIS is moving forward in its rediscovery of the most important legendary members of the Spanish school, presenting the fourth release in the Master of Guitar Series. The collection presents several rare pages coming from private collectors helping IDIS in making this a project that, once finished, will be a sort of Guitar Encyclopedia. Alongside famous composers and performers like Llobet, Sainz de la Maza, and Manuel Diaz Cano this anthology presents nearly forgotten artists like Angel Iglesias and Rosita Rodés whose listening will be a lovely surprise for the audience.
Masters of the Guitar, Vol. 5: Italian Recordings, 1930s-1950s
IDIS
CD
$16.99Mar 31, 2023
In Italy, the guitar had a difficult time being considered a classical instrument like it was in other countries. The first guitar course was instituted in Italian conservatories in 1965 but even in the 70s and 80s many Concerto Societies did not have or promote even the most internationally famous guitarists. This new release collects six performances by guitar students. The album begins with Pasquale Taraffo, who can be considered the perfect example of a performer on the edge between classical and popular music. The album ends with Mario Parodi, an extraordinary performer and musician who is unfortunately often overlooked. The other four protagonists of this new release are part of the Italian guitar revival: from Giulio Giulietti, to Luigi Mozzani and from Luigi Mariotti to Mario Gangi, who made classical guitar famous throughout Italy with his television appearances.
Napoléon Coste was the most eminent French guitarist of the 19th century and a creative innovator. Fantaisie symphonique shows the range of his ambition with its quasi-orchestral textures, swift mood changes and virtuoso flourishes. Le Départ is one his most popular extended pieces, full of liquid transitions. Volumes 1–5 can be heard on 8.554192, 8.554194 and 8.554353-55.
