David Leisner - FAVORITES - Azica
Renowned classical guitarist David Leisner returns with a collection of personal favorites in a welcome addition to an already stellar recording career. This particular collection keeps to the guitar recital format first made popular by Tarrega and later standardized by Segovia. Included are Mr. Leisner's arrangements of Bach's "Chaconne" and Paganini's "Grand Sonata", both played with forceful virtuosity and the kind of deep understanding which can only come from years of study and performance.
However, the real highlights of this recording are the 20th century compositions by Benjamin Britten and Alexander Ivanov-Kramskoi. Britten's well-known "Nocturnal" has become a standard of contemporary guitar repertoire (especially among Anglo guitarists) and is rendered here with great dynamic sensitivity. Mr. Ivanov-Kramskoi's five pieces possess a lyrical beauty and, with their mix of modernity and romanticism, a timeless quality that is sure to find favor with up-and-coming classical guitarists looking for something new to add to their own recital repertoire.
All in all, an outstanding collection of guitar music; a virtuoso performance recorded with technical precision.
Highly recommended 9 out of 10 Oscar O. Veterano
