[.ca] Artistry Of

Bach at its best:
The best part of this CD is the Bach recordings. I could listen to the Fugue from Violin Sonata No. 1 over and over without let up--it's astounding. The Chaconne is one of the best recordings of that most exalted work by Bach. The main reason I didn't give this CD a 5-star rating are the non-Bach selections, which although played brilliantly, are not among my favorite compositions. The exceptions are the charming Renaissance pieces for lute and the impressively transcribed and skillfully performed "Empress of the Pagodas." To be sure, there are some beautiful and dazzling passages within many of the other pieces, which makes this CD definitely worth it. However, the best Parkening release is "The Great Recordings," which is a double-CD set with a greater variety of music and includes the Fugue and a few other recordings from this CD.

An indispensible CD to any music collection:
This cd is a fine collection of some of the works released on Parkening's first four recordings, "In The Classic Style", "In The Spanish Style", "Romanza", and "Parkening And The Guitar". The music itself spans more than three centuries and effectivly demonstrates what the guitar is capable of in the hands of a great master. The disc begins with some of the better known transcriptions of Bach,and then moves on to some rarly heared guitar transcriptions of Mompou, Satie, Poulenc and Ravel. The entire album is wounderfully played, technically flawless and very expressive. As always Parkening plays with a beautiflly warm tone and a poetry reminiscent of Segovia's playing. I give this cd my highest recomendation.

An Instant Classic in the Segovia Tradition:
Christopher Parkening's work has always been nothing less than stellar. This particular collection of works is drawn from four previous releases (and also includes unreleased recordings), and is exemplary of his artistry and talent. The recordings are as crisp and clear as the day they were set down on tape. His expression and tone are without comparison. The selection of works on this particular CD show his ability to perform classics in the broadest range imaginable, and does so with ease. The liner notes give great detail on each piece, including a brief history on Parkening himself. If nothing else, this brings the listener even closer to the performer, something I find rare in the classical music genre. I once attended a concert given by local artists in a small church in Germany many years ago, and whenever I listen to this CD, it brings to mind memories of that afternoon. Parkening makes you feel as though you are in the room with him, listening in awe; you are never aware that he is playing in a studio at all. Overall, this is a great example of one of the world's greatest classical guitarists (he's number one on my list).

• Prelude For Lute
• Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1
• Prelude From Cello Suite No. 1
• Courante From Cello Suite No. 3
• Chaconne From Violin Partita No. 2
• Saltarello: Two Renaissance Pieces For Lute
• Preludio
• Scherzino From Cavatina
• Danza Pomposa From Cavatina
• Estudio No. 3 In A Major
• Melancolia
• Andante Cantabile
• Cuna
• Gymnopedie No. 1
• Gymnopedie No. 2
• Gymnopedie No. 3
• The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
• Pastourelle
• Pavane Of The Sleeping Beauty
• Empress Of The Pagaodas
• Afro - Cuban Lullaby