Description:

Lovers of classical guitar cherish the instrument's solo beauty. This collection of pieces performed by a top contemporary artist is an excellent example of why this is so. Music both old and new comes alive in the able hands of Alirio Diaz. Spanish guitar may have been around for five centuries, but it was only recently that the instrument became accepted as a part of classical music. In fact, much of the classical guitar music on FIVE CENTURIES OF SPANISH GUITAR has been adapted from pieces written for piano or violin. This in no way detracts from Diaz's excellent performance. Diaz, who studied under Andrés Segovia (also serving as his assistant professor at the Musical Academy of Chigi), plays with style and panache. His timing and technique are a reflection of his time studying with the father of classical guitar. Whether playing in traditional Spanish style, as in Lauro's 'Dos Valses Venezolanos,' or adapted pieces like Bach's Gavotte from his Partita for Violin Solo No. 3, his guitar rings true. Includes minuet(s) by Franz Joseph Haydn. Soloist: Alirio Diaz. Includes son(s) by Domenico Scarlatti. Soloist: Alirio Diaz. Includes valse(s) venezolanos for gtr by Antonio Lauro. Soloist: Alirio Diaz.

Track Listing:

1. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
2. Guaso
3. Venezuelan Pieces (5) for Guitar: no 3, Canción
4. Quirpa
5. Cantos de España, Op. 232: no 1, Preludio [Asturias, Op. 47 no 5]
6. Popular Songs
7. Pavanas
8. Instrucción de música sobre la guitarra española: Folías
9. Partita for Violin solo no 3 in E major, BWV 1006: 3rd movement, Gavotte en rondeau
10. Sonata for Violin solo no 1 in G minor, BWV 1001: 2nd movement, Fugue
11. Recuerdos de Viaje, Op. 71: no 8, Rumores de la caleta
12. Variations for Guitar on a theme from Mozart's "Magic Flute", Op. 9
13. Serenata española for Piano in F major
14. Ráfaga for Guitar, Op. 53
15. El sombrero de tres picos: Miller's Dance "Farruca"
16. Etude for Guitar in E minor