Search - Malcolm Arnold, Lennox Berkeley, William [composer] Walton :: English Guitar Concertos

Excellent sound and performance

03/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this out of curiosity. It is wonderful. The music is very modern, angular at times, othertimes sumptuous
and contemplative. Always beautiful. Sound quality is ultra audiophile and the mix between orchestra and guitar is about the best I've heard. The music itself is like nothing else--thus it fills an important place in a music collection. Totally devoid of any Spanish influences, this music explores the guitars tonality and possibilities. Julian Bream earlier recorded all of these pieces (the Walton Baglatelles are here orchestrated (not in Bream's recording) and Ogen / Hiscox have created a wonderfully listenable homage to Bream and the concertos composed for him--all were composed mid 20th century and bear the mark of that era."

The perfect music for the summer

scarlatti11 | Killeen, TX United States | 06/14/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As inviting to relaxation as the
cover picture of this disc, is too
the music included. Guitar concertos
by Malcolm Arnold, Lennox Berkeley,
and William Walton(All have been knighted)
written especially for English guitarrist
Julian Bream. The music takes the guitar
away from its "spanishness" for a little
while, and takes it for a swim on unchartered
water.The result is refreshing, relaxing
and innovetive. This recording is indeed a
five-star!!"

Curious

Mrs E Cavanagh | 04/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD to hear a complete version of the Arnold concerto that wasn't Bream. Ogden and his Smallman is a nice touch, fitting for the repertoire on the CD, and flawless.



Curiousity, however, was another factor that led me to purchase this CD - for the orchestration of the Bagatelles and the Serenade of arnolds. And whilst the Bagatelles didn't really toot my horn, the Serenade for Guitar and Strings is a complete gem. It's such a beautiful piece and stands out from the rest. Beautifully played and such a mature composition - guitarists everywhere should be happy that they can claim this piece as part of their repertoire. It's brilliant.



Definitely worth a look at."