n The Spanish Guitar

A timeless collection of

Spanish Guitar Classics

PASSION, sensitivity, fervour, romanticism, humour and sheer brilliance - all these are contained within this inspired double CD collection.

Perhaps the best-known of the works is the adagio movement of the Rodrigo Concierto de Aranjuez, which will be as familiar to listeners as Beethoven's Fifth, I'm sure. But there is plenty of stunning listening to be done before you get to this track.

The Spanish guitar in its modern form, with six strings, is a mere babe in arms as far as musical instruments go. It did not flourish until the end of the 18th Century, but since then a number of its exponents and composers have embraced this self-sufficient package of sounds with both arms and created a plethora of masterpieces.

This particular collection concentrates on Spanish-born composers, or at least ones with strong Spanish ties.

Within this seemingly narrow framework you will be treated to an enormous range of styles of writing, from the sweetly melodious Danza Espanola No 5 by Enrique Granados to the dramatic and rhythmic intensity of five contrasting movements of Escarraman by Castelmuovo-Tedesco, described as a long-neglected masterpiece.

This striking work, played passionately and virtuosically by Lorenzo Micheli, revolves around the colourful and disreputable character of the same name, who is a feature of Spanish literature.

The tracks are far too numerous to analyse separately, but suffice to say that each and every one is a little gem worth listening to.

Each of the guitarists plays with a distinctive style, giving faultless performances and bringing out the genius of the composers.

Antonio Ruiz-Pipo's Three Estancias are the perfect vehicle for showing off all these qualities.

The composer had a working knowledge of the instrument after learning to play in his youth, and revels in creating sharp contrasts of mood and colour.

I cannot fault this double CD at all. It is eminently suitable for listening to for exhilaration or relaxation purposes. An absolute joy.

Naxos 8.557122-23