VA - Great Classical Guitarists (A Butterboy Compilation) CD1+CD2+CD3

CLASSICAL GUITAR GREATS

VA - Great Classical Guitarists (A Butterboy Compilation) CD1+CD2+CD3

The classical guitar, a relative of the guitar family, has found its place in a variety of music genres, from classical to flamenco. Its unique strings, crafted from gut or nylon, set it apart from its contemporary counterparts, the steel-string acoustic and electric guitars, which employ metal strings. The intriguing history of the classical guitar and the maestros who have honed their skills on it make it a subject of great interest. The lineage of the classical guitar can be traced back to instruments such as the lute, the vihuela, and the gittern. These gradually evolved into the Renaissance guitar, and subsequently into the baroque guitar of the 17th and 18th centuries. By the mid-19th century, precursors of the modern classical guitar started to emerge. The late 19th-century designs of Spanish luthier Antonio Torres Jurado laid the foundation for the classical guitar as we know it today.

Traditionally, the classical guitar is supported by the left leg, with the hand that plucks or strums the strings doing so near the back of the sound hole. This position enables the player to simultaneously perform both the bass and treble parts, a requirement for solo performers. The flat fretboard and wider string spacing of the classical guitar are designed to accommodate the intricate parts from the classical repertoire.

Let’s now shift our focus to some of the key guitarists who have left their mark on the Classical Guitar genre. 

Andrés Segovia (1893-1987), a Spanish musician, is celebrated as one of the greatest guitarists of his era. He played a pivotal role in reestablishing the guitar as a concert instrument in the 20th century by showcasing its expressive and technical capabilities. Johann Sebastian Bach, a maestro of the Baroque period, has had a significant portion of his compositions adapted for the classical guitar, thanks to the efforts of Andres Segovia. Segovia’s ambitious undertakings, such as arranging Bach’s substantial solo work, have set a high bar for any proficient guitarist.

Fernando Sor (1778-1839), often dubbed the “Beethoven of the guitar”, was a Spanish classical guitarist and composer. He is primarily known for his guitar compositions, but his musical prowess extended to a wide array of genres, including opera, orchestra, string quartet, piano, voice, and ballet.

Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909), hailed as the “father of classical guitar”, was a Spanish composer and classical guitarist of the Romantic period. He is widely recognized for laying the groundwork for 20th-century classical guitar and for elevating the status of the guitar as a recital instrument and is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His profound influence on 20th-century guitar music is indisputable.

Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887 -1959), a Brazilian composer, is considered one of the most influential composers for classical guitar in the 20th century. His music was shaped by both Brazilian folk music and the European classical tradition.

Agustin Barrios Mangoré (1885-1944) was a Paraguayan virtuoso classical guitarist and composer, largely regarded as one of the greatest performers and most prolific composers for the guitar. He composed more than 300 songs for which he would first write the lyrics and then the guitar accompaniment.

Cristiano Porqueddu is highly praised and recognized as one of the major interpreters of 20th and 21st-century guitar music in the contemporary scene.He has recorded over 600 original works for guitar by 20th and 21st-century composers.

David Russell (born 1953) is a classical guitarist who is considered a virtuoso with a captivating stage presence, impeccable tone, technical mastery over his instrument, and a soft-spoken dedication to advancing the craft of classical guitar.

Antonio Lauro (1917-1986) was a Venezuelan musician, considered to be one of the foremost South American composers for the guitar in the 20th century. He was a fervent cultural nationalist, determined to rescue and celebrate his nation’s musical heritage. His music continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, underscoring the timeless allure of the classical guitar

John Williams (born 1941) an Australian virtuoso, is famed for his ensemble playing and his interpretation and promotion of the modern classical guitar repertoire. Julian Bream, a leading guitar and lute virtuoso of the 20th century, earned recognition for his technique and mastery of a broad spectrum of musical styles. Classical guitar legends like Julian Bream and John Williams continue championing the works of many composers.  Jason Vieaux, a Grammy laureate, is hailed as “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation”. Francisco Tárrega, a significant Spanish composer, exerted a profound influence on the classical guitar music of the 20th century.

These composers and Guitarist have not only made significant contributions to the classical guitar repertoire but have also influenced generations of guitarists and composers. Their music continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, underscoring the timeless allure of the classical guitar. Thesy have not only mastered the classical guitar but also revolutionized its repertoire, technique, and perception. Their contributions have indelibly shaped the evolution and popularity of the classical guitar. 

The classical guitar is a mesmerizing instrument with a rich history and a lineup of virtuosos who have shaped its genre. Its distinctive sound and the expertise required to play it continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike. The classical guitar, with its deep roots and influential players, beckons us to delve deeper into its captivating world.

Presented here in this compilation are those who are considered the best in their field. Each has an extensive repertoire of music they perform. I have painstakingly selected the tracks that I felt are best suited this compilation. There are 60 Tracks in total with almost 5hrs of listening pleasure. I hope you find it enjoyable. (B)

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Track lists

CD01

01 Andrès Segovia (Johann Sebastian Bach) - Partita Für Solovioline Nr. 2 D-Moll Bwv 1004, Chaconne 13:57

02 John Williams (Gabriel Fauré) - Pavane, Op. 50 5:08

03 David Russell (Antonio Lauro) - La Negra 2:32

04 Cristiano Porqueddu (Agustin Barrios Mangoré) - Tarantella 3:36

05 Ana Vidovic (Francisco Tarrega) - Capricho Arabe 4:11

06 Eliot Fisk (Antonio Lauro) - Seis Por Derecho 3:13

07 Paco De Lucia - Rumba 8:21

08 Jonathan Richter (Andantino) - Carulli Op.241, No. 19 3:05

09 Andres Segovia (Isaac Albéniz) - Suite Espanola No. 1, Op. 47 I. Granada (Serenade) 4:23

10 Andrew York (Ludwig Van Beethoven) - Bagatelle 2:31

11 Christopher Parkening (Manuel Ponce) - Preludio 2:06

12 Fabio Zanon (Francisco Tárrega) - Estudio Brilliante 2:39

13 Lucio Matarazzo (Matteo Carcassi) - Studi Melodici E Progressivi Op. 60 N°24.Andantino Con Espressione 3:17

14 Luigi Attademo (Domenico Scarlatti) - Sonata In E Flat Major,Kk.476, Allegro 3:48

15 Manuel Barrueco With Steve Morse (Stanley Myers) - Cavatina 3:13

16 David Tanenbaum (Astor Piazalla) - Cinco Piexas 3. Accentuado 3:25

17 David Russell (Francisco Tárrega) - Gran Jota 11:29

18 Julian Byzantine (Isaac Albeniz) - Recuerdos De Viaje, Op.71 B.18 - 2. Asturias (Leyenda) 7:16

19 Grigory Goryachev (Paco De Lucia) - Fandango 3:32

20 Emmanuel Rossfelder (Franz Schubert) - Ave Maria 4:40

CD02

21 Andres Segovia (Ferndo Sor) - Studies, Andantino In D 2:07

22 John Williams (Johann Sebastian Bach) - Partita No. 2 In D Minor, Bmv 1004 - Chaconne 13:50

23 David Russell (Isaac Albéniz) - Asturias 6:21

24 Pablo Garibay (Francisco Tarrega) - Capricho Arabe 6:10

25 Milos Karadaglic (Agustin Barrios Mangore) - Un Sueno En La Floresta 7:22

26 Michael Lucarelli (Fernando Sor) - Variations On A Theme By Mozart Op 9 9:00

27 Marc Teicholz (Napoleon Coste) - Souvenir Du Jura, Op. 44. Andante Et Polonaise 6:57

28 Manuel Barrueco (Fernando Sor) - Introduction And Allegro For Guitar Op.14 Grand Solo 8:49

29 Marcin Dylla (Franz Schubert) - Standchen 4:17

30 Craig Ogden (Isaac Albéniz) - Torre Bermeja 4:21

31 Sean Shibe (Georg Philipp Telemann) - Guitar Concerto In D 3:03

32 Brian Whitehouse (John Dowland) - My Lady's Almaine 2:03

33 Adam Cicchillitti (Joaquin Turina) - Sonatina In A Major, Ii Andante 3:44

34 Lucio Matarazzo (Mauro Giuliani) - Giulianate Op.148 N.8 - L'allegria 2:00

35 Sharon Isbin (Heitor Villa-Lobos) - Sentimental Melody 3:56

36 Jason Vieaux (Paulo Bellinati) - Jongo 4:58

37 Liona Boyd - Parranda 2:54

38 Marco Tamayo (Niccolo Paganini) - Guitar Sonata No.6 In F Major, Minuet - Allegreto 4:15

39 Wulfin Lieske (Francisco Tarrega) - Capricho Arebe 5:17

40 Ali´ Arango (Frédéric Chopin) - Nocturne No. 2, Op. 9 5:12

CD03

41 Alirio Diaz (Fre´de´ric Chopin, Arranged By Francisco Tárrega) - Preludes For Guitar, No. 7 In A Major 0:42

42 Xuefei Yang - Spanish Dance From La Vida Breve 3:48

43 Sergio Assad & Odair Assad (Hermeto Pascoal) - Bebe 2:12

44 Paul Galbraith (Isaac Albéniz) - Bajo La Palmera 4:41

45 Norbert Kraft (Heitor Villa-Lobos) - Chorus No.1 4:49

46 John Williams (Johann Sebastian Bach) - Prelude From Lute Suite No. 4 4:21

47 Narciso Yepes (Heitor Villa-Lobos) - Preludes - No. 1 In E Minor 4:59

48 Miloš Karadaglic (Carlo Domeniconi) - Koyunbaba.Op.199.1 Moderato 3:32

49 Manuel Barrueco (Heitor Villa-Lobos) - Choros No. 1 5:16

50 Narciso Yepes (Gaspar Sanz) - La Minona De Cataluna 1:23

51 Kazuhito Yamashita (Johann Sebastian Bach) - Sonata No.2 In A Minor, Bwv 1003 - Ii. Fuga 6:04

52 Julian Bream (Jorge Anckermann) - Guajira 4:32

53 Xavier Jara ( Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) - Fantasia In D Minor, P. 5 2:39

54 Pepe Romero (Isaac Albéniz) - Suite Espanola, Op. 47- Asturias 6:14

55 Wulfin Lieski (Miguel Llobet) - Canso Del Lladre (From Canciones Populares Catalanas) 1:39

56 Goran Sollscher (Agustin Barrios Mangore ) - Waltz For Guitar In D Minor, Op. 8, No. 3 4:18

57 Cristiano Porqueddu (Agustin Barrios Mangoré) - Aires Andaluces 8:24

58 Cristiano Porqueddu (Agustin Barrios Mangoré) - Estudo En Si Menor 2:34

59 Cristiano Porqueddu (Agustin Barrios Mangoré) - Estudo En Sol Menor 4:48

60 Cristiano Porqueddu (Agustin Barrios Mangoré) - Estudio Inconcluso 1:03

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