Search - Raphaella Smits :: Early 19th Century Guitar Music

Great performances on 19th century guitar

Tom Poore | South Euclid, OH | 10/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Belgium born guitarist Raphaëlla Smits has a deep interest in the guitar's 19th century repertoire. In this recording she performs on a French guitar from about 1820, restored by the German luthier Bernhard Kresse. The music highlights two abiding interests of early 19th century composers: the concert etude and the song. The solo guitar arrangements of six Schubert lieder are breathtakingly beautiful, and Smits brings an operatic intensity to Luigi Legnani's "Capricci." This may be the finest available recording of music performed on an original 19th century guitar."

Wonderful playing

Steven E. Bornfeld | Brooklyn, NY | 03/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Legnani pieces are short, sweet, and virtuosic. Smits, on her 7-string period Mirecourt instrument gives a sensitive performance without excessive ornamentation. The Mertz settings of Schubert lieder are lovely and expressive.

This is an excellent collection of music by a musician who understands and loves it."