Torroba: Guitar Concertos, Vol. 1

This CD, the first of three volumes of Torroba’s complete works for guitar and orchestra, an unusual combination given that in some of the concertos the guitar is in the Flamenco style, which typically not in the usual realm of repertoire of the traditional classical guitarist. Similarly, the Flamenco guitarist is generally not used to performing with an orchestra. But with the two soloists featured here, such barriers are meaningless. The first work is the “Concierto en Flamenco”, featuring Pepe Romero on the Flamenco guitar. This piece, featuring virtuoso runs from the soloist, and sweeping strings as well as gentile accompaniment from the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Manuel Coves, demonstrates what a fine partnership an orchestra and a world-class guitarist can achieve. This work from 1962 is evocative, heart-felt, and fiendishly difficult to play. And it is a real treat to listen to. The second work on the disc is the warm “Dialogos entre guitarra y orquesta”, featuring Vicente Coves as the soloists. As suggested by the title, this piece is a series of conversations between the guitar and the orchestra, and is most definitely a workout for the soloist. The third work, “Aires de La Mancha”, composed in 1966, consists of a series of very short pieces related to the Castilian folklore of La Mancha in central Spain, as indicated in the informative liner notes. The entire piece is quite simply charming. The last work on the CD is the “Suite castellana” composed in approximately 1920 for Andres Segovia who premiered the work and recorded it as well. The suite includes Torroba’s first composition for the guitar, the “Danza” which is the third movement of the suite. The music is lively and enjoyable, and a fitting way to close this recording. The sound quality of this CD is excellent, evenly capturing all of the nuances of the guitar and the orchestra in perfect balance – which is always a challenge in live guitar performance. The team from Naxos has definitely produced a worthy addition to the guitar and orchestral repertoire, and I most sincerely recommend it.