MDG Scene  903 2009-6

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Instrumental

Granados: Danzas Espanolas, Op. 37, Ochos valses poeticos, La Maja de Goya, El Mirar de la Maja

Stephen Marchionda (guitar)


Henry the Pianist
During his lifetime Enrique Granados was highly valued above all for the poetry of his piano playing – and his compositions also breathe the same poetic spirit. Stephen Marchionda honors the composer on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of his birth with a highly personal selection from these works. His own arrangements for the guitar create an illuminating link to Granados’ roots in Spanish folklore.

National Instrument
For it is not without reason that the guitar is regarded as the Spanish national instrument “número uno.” So it is also not surprising that in the Danzas españolas the original piano version repeatedly produces tones reminiscent of the guitar, while Marchionda’s renderings of them create the impression of authenticity. The dazzling intensification in No. 6 ultimately culminating in the wild rasgueado is especially impressive and comes with welcome associations with the flamenco.

Stephen the Guitarist
In the quieter pieces too Marchionda displays the quality of his guitar playing: flageolet passages with a touch of the ethereal, yearningly traced melodic lines, and gentle arpeggios magically generating a unique color are especially fitting for the “Eight Poetic Waltzes” concluding this highly atmospheric collection. As special encores the Spain resident presents two wonderful songs brightening Andalusian and Catalonian melancholy with fine humor.

Natural Sound
This fine poetic cosmos has been captured in choice SACD technology. The three-dimensional 2+2+2 Recording renders audible even the finest nuances, and the famous aura of the concert hall at the Marienmünster Abbey is also marvelously conveyed. Entertaining listening pleasure – also in stereo!