Essential Guitar

Immerse yourself in the exquisite world of classical guitar with Claudio Maccari's "Essential Guitar," released in 2007 under the Berlin Classics label. This captivating album spans a generous 2 hours and 35 minutes, featuring 30 tracks that showcase Maccari's virtuosity and the rich diversity of chamber music for the guitar.

The album opens with the grand Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra No. 1 in A Major, Op. 30, a three-movement work that highlights Maccari's technical prowess and expressive depth. The concerto is followed by a selection of sonatas, each beautifully adapted for the guitar, including pieces by the renowned composer Domenico Scarlatti.

Maccari's repertoire extends to more contemporary works, such as the haunting Fantasia Elegiaca for Guitar in C Minor, Op. 59, and the lively Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet No. 4 in D Major, G. 448. The album also features a delightful suite of Spanish music, Suite Española No. 1, Op. 47, which transports the listener to the vibrant streets and plazas of Granada, Sevilla, and Asturias.

For those with a taste for Brazilian music, the album includes a Suite populaire brésilienne, W020, featuring lively choros and dances that showcase Maccari's versatility. The album concludes with a poignant piece, "Una limosna por el amor de Dios," and a dynamic duet, Sonatina Caótica for Two Guitars, performed with fellow guitarist Andrea Rognoni.

Throughout "Essential Guitar," Maccari is accompanied by a talented ensemble, including the Ensemble Ottocento and La Magnifica Comunità, with contributions from Victor Villadangos and Giuseppe Feola. The result is a rich tapestry of sound that celebrates the guitar's expressive range and the enduring appeal of classical chamber music. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the world of classical guitar, "Essential Guitar" offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.