Rodrigo Collection (Dvd)

If I had to choose a favorite song it very well might be "Concierto de Aranjuez; I've heard it by various performers countless times. That said, this latest edition to my collective Rodrigo musical memory has been enhanced way beyond my expectations from watching the accompnaying DVD. Granted it isn't Blue Ray Hi-Def but it is spectacular . On a 50 inch plasma with surround sound it is excellent. The first video is a performance with cutaway views of the gardens at Aranjuez, which contrary to one reviewrs remarks, has everything to do with the song. The video reveals the story behind the music. This was the honeymoon site of the Maestro Rodrigo and his wife Dona Victoria. The occasional narration goes on to reveal the sadness in the song reflects the loss of a child that was to come. All in all it is very entertaining and informative; besides the music by Pepe Romero and orchestra is outstanding. Seeing the Maestro Rodrigo and Dona Victoria strolling the grounds is very touching, as is their love story. That is just the half of the video. The second part is a documentary on the life of Maestro Rodrigo that is nothing short of exceptional. Included are home movies when he was younger; various celebrations off his life are revealed courtesy of his family. It is very touching to see the love that Dona Victoria and Maestro Rodrigo share. She reads to him(he is blind), tells him about the colors and everything he can't visually perceive. Throughout this documentary , entitled "Shadows and Light" the neophyte will learn all about Rodrigo and his music. The film is worth the price of the CD by itself. The musical selections bear witness to the man and the genius that is Rodrigo. You witness all to his 90th birthday with insights throughout by one of his best interpretors, his guitar disciple, Pepe Romero, as well as his biographer adn many family members. It is very special. You will learn alot about the man who wrote so much great music for the world to enjoy. As for the CD itself, it is fine. The Romeros are technically perfect, the sound is better than adequate and the performance more than compensates. Don't miss this one if you are a fan of the music of Rodrigo. Recommended for afficionados of the man who gave us "Concierto de Aranjuez" and so much more.

The Rodrigo Collection is a compilation of Rodrigo guitar concerti recordings from 1975 to 1979. The guitar playing is robust, aggressive and macho, but not nearly as sensitive and deep as efforts by Pepe and Angel during the last decade. Twenty some years of practice and performing makes a big difference!

Although the recording quality is decent, it is not nearly as full bodied as modern digital recordings by the Romero brothers. The midrange is thin and slightly bright and stereo imaging flat. It's not a great digitalization and remix of an analog recording. Lastly, the "Shadows and Light DVD" transfer from analog tape to DVD is terrible. If I didn't know I had put a DVD in the player I'd swear it was an old low rez video tape. Despite these warts, it's a must have for any diehard Rodrigo or Romero fan.

The first CD is very good, the sound of the concerts is great, but the DVD is another thing, it's great to see Pepe Romero in the Aranjuez Concert and the documentary about the late great master Joaquín Rodrigo touch me very deeply.

My only regret it's that you can only hear the Aranjuez Concert if you play the DVD and not in a CD player (car for example)

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