Search - Sanz, Diaz-Latorre :: Gaspar Sanz: Laberintos Ingeniososo

Sanz Beyond Belief

Scott Schwartz | 09/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many of us have heard the pretty dances of Gaspar Sanz played in classical guitar concerts, easy on the fingers and on the ears, usually played before the pyrotechnics of Bach and the Romantics. Well, abandon that notion when you hear this disc! Xavier Diaz and Pedro Estevan are the rhythmic and harmonic backbone of Jordi Savall's creativity, and on this disc create a high-level virtuosic rendition of what can be seen as Flamenco music in the 17th century. The improvisations are astounding and the virtuosity is such that this disc can sit proudly beside its spiritual descendants in Paco de Lucia and others. It blends Spanish "soul" with late Renaissance style and successfully extracts the best aspects of each. If you're into improvisation, Flamenco, or amazingly played baroque guitar, you'll find these pieces elevated to a level beyond belief!"