Essential Guitar

Dive into the captivating world of classical guitar with Claudio Maccari's "Essential Guitar," a comprehensive collection released on Berlin Classics in 2007. This album is a testament to Maccari's virtuosity and his deep connection with the guitar, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that span various styles and eras.

The album opens with the grandeur of Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra No. 1 in A Major, Op. 30, showcasing Maccari's technical prowess and expressive depth. The concerto's three movements—Allegro maestoso, Siciliana. Andantino, and Polonaise. Allegretto—are followed by a selection of sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti, beautifully adapted for the guitar. These pieces highlight Maccari's ability to bring out the intricate melodies and harmonies of Scarlatti's compositions.

Heitor Villa-Lobos's Fantasia Elegiaca for Guitar in C Minor, Op. 59, adds a touch of elegance and sorrow, with its Introduction. Andante. Largo and Marche funébre. Andante. Moderato movements. The Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet No. 4 in D Major, G. 448, by Luigi Boccherini, offers a pastoral charm and rhythmic vitality, with movements like Pastorale, Allegro maestoso, Grave assai, and Fandango.

The album also includes Isaac Albéniz's Suite Española No. 1, Op. 47, featuring the evocative Granada, Sevilla, and Asturias. These pieces are complemented by Enrique Granados's Cantos de Espana, Op. 232, with the Orientale and Cordoba movements adding a Spanish flair.

Brazilian influences are evident in the Choro No. 1 in E Minor, W161, and the Suite populaire brésilienne, W020, with movements like Mazurka-Choro. Un peu lent, Schottish-Choro. Un peu modéré, and Gavotta-Choro. Allegro moderato. The album concludes with Agustín Barrios Mangoré's La Catedral, featuring Preludio, Andante religioso, Allegro solemne, and Una limosna por el amor de Dios, and the playful Sonatina Caótica for Two Guitars, with its Allegro, Andante, and Presto movements.

"Essential Guitar" is a celebration of the guitar's versatility and Maccari's mastery, making it a compelling addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.