Search - Paul Galbraith (Performer) Franz Joseph Haydn (Composer) :: Paul Galbraith Plays Haydn

Great technique, but lacking in drama

06/13/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Very soothing accounts of some of Haydn's marvelous piano sonatas transcribed for guitar. Galbraith's playing is beautiful, but his tempi are generally a bit slow and his playing lacks a sense of drama that these works need to bring them off. However, this music made my usually stressful commute seem almost pleasurable, No mean feat, that. A recording I will return to time and again, and I look forward to more by this artist."

Heavenly!

Mark Crilley | Detroit, Michigan | 02/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a newcomer to the world of classical music so I can't claim any expertise on the subject, but I thought I'd add a slightly contrasting opinion (seeing as there is a the moment only one review!) I think this recording is stunningly beautiful precisely because Galbraith plays so slowly at times. The second track in particular is just phenomenal; it's become one of my favorite recordings of all time, bar none. I think the slow tempo is extremely dramatic, allowing the listener to catch the tension of every note, and wouldn't change a thing about Galbraith's interpretations here."

More, please!

A music lover | Fremont, CA | 01/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are Galbraith's own transcriptions of four Haydn keyboard (piano) sonatas, played on an 8-string guitar with exquisite refinement and beauty. Key transpositions were necessary to accommodate the change in instrument, but do not in any way detract from the beauty of the pieces. It's almost as if these works were meant for the guitar. Tempi are a bit on the slow side, but again this is not necessarily a minus. It might have been interesting to hear him really cut loose on a fast number, but what he has presented here is marvelous. I wish he would record more Haydn on the guitar. Bravo!"