COMPOSERS: Rodrigo
LABELS: RCA Victor Red Seal
WORKS: Por los campos de España; Sonata giocosa; Invocación y danza
PERFORMER: Angel Romero (guitar)
CATALOGUE NO: 09026 68767 2
Angel Romero has frequently collaborated with Rodrigo, and his understanding of this repertoire is beyond question. Romero’s recital features music which dates from across five decades, although the listener will be hard put to detect any clear stylistic developments. What is always undeniable, however, is the quality of the playing, which combines an unforced virtuosity with sensitive phrasing and clear articulation.
In this Romero is aided by a recording which is truthful and ambient. Rodrigo is at his best in these solo items, and there are some rewarding discoveries to be made, in particular the delightful three-movement Sonata giocosa (1960) and the atmospheric Invocation and Dance of the following year, composed in homage to Manuel de Falla. Terry Barfoot