A Gem
L.A. Guitar | 11/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is unique in a number of ways.
We first heard the guitarist play live on the Los Angeles Classic Music Station KCSN-FM. the occasion was the California State University celebration of the 80th Birthday of Cuban composer Aurelio de la Vega. Probably one of the most renown of contemporary Cuban Composers, his Score of "The Magic Labyrinth" is in the Archive of the Library of Congress, and is featured on their "Classical Music Calendar" (May).
At the Composer's request, Machleder came to California to perform the Composer's major guitar work "Biflorio," and to present the Composer with this CD. A musical icon, Martin Perlich, Program Director of KCSN-FM brought the CD to the L.A. Radio audience, in a live performance by the Guitarist.
This is an opportunity to hear the sound of the Guitar as the composers hear it. On 31 tracks (you get your money's worth with this disc) you can hear the Guitar music of; Brower, Gramatges, Nin-Culmell, Orbon, and de la Vega with the utmost clarity, and a now legendary tone. (The disc has TWO recording premiers). For the first time the varied musical language of these major composers can be appreciated side by side, from a seasoned performer, without stylistic idiosyncracies. Machleder is known for the fidelity of his interpretations, it is the special magic when musical scholarship (Machleder has a Doctorate from the Eastman conservatory) combines with virtuosic playing.
Additionally, this is the first we've seen of a new style of CD presentation, the days of the plastic box are numbered, the future is here, and Red Creek Studios is to be commended for bringing us this major advance.
For those who appreciate Classical Music, this CD is a rare Gem. For those who are Collectors, this CD is a little Treasure."
Music that puts your Brain in gear!
Karl | N'orlans, LA USA | 11/19/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"...So I'm coming home, radio playing 4 Seasons, and my room-mate has this Cristal thing on (CD). The Etudes are Sweeet, and the Canticum rocks. Slowly the going gets rough, by Bifloreo I'm having this mind wandering thing. Now, I don't read the little booklets they put in with the CD; type too small, writing too dense, too hard to get the thing back behind the tabs. But... I walk over to the stereo, where's the Jewel Case?? no Jewel Case, it's a new type of CD, whole case opens up like a map...there it is...you can follow along...Cool. "Dissonance/consonance" "dance rhythms"...I can handle that. "Floreo"?? ah ha! I listen again, and follow along... I hear the "Floreo"... I'm stoked! These folks have put together a CD so you can understand and enjoy the music. Hey... I listened to a music CD and learned something! Now its off to the Car Wash, they do Lexus' and have "4 Seasons" on a loop! OK, car in gear... brain back on idle."
Track Listings (1) - Disc #1