Mauro Giuliani: Concertos for Guitar and Orchestra Nos. 1-2

• Main performer: Edoardo Catemario
• Booklet languages: English, French, German, Italian
• Time: 60:15
• Release Date: 2004

Review

Lovers of authentic performances on original instruments and aficionados of Italian Classical music will relish this superb recording of Mauro Giuliani's concertos for guitar and orchestra. From the shimmering opening chord of the Concerto No. 1 in A major, listeners will appreciate both the fine period style and the high quality reproduction, and know immediately that Arts has produced a gem. The Vienna Academy, led by Martin Haselböck, provides bright and stimulating accompaniment to guitarist Edoardo Catemario, who responds with crisp articulation and energy to match the ensemble. Performing on the 1825 "Pons l'aîné" guitar once owned by the composer, Catemario delivers his virtuosic part with flair in the jubilant outer movements, and with elegantly connected phrasing in the poignant "Siciliana." The guitar's sound is small, especially when played secco, but careful microphone placement ensures that Catemario's playing is not swallowed by the orchestra. The Concerto No. 2 in A major is similar to the first in key and construction, but harmonically more advanced and markedly more subdued in character. Catemario and the orchestra present this fascinating work with introspection and tenderness, particularly in the gentle Andantino, and draw out the concerto's warm, lyrical character. This audiophile CD is highly recommended. ~ Blair Sanderson, Rovi

Performances

Composer	Title	Time
Mauro Giuliani	Guitar Concerto No. 1 in A major, Op. 30 (versions for guitar & orch; gt. & string quartet)	30:39
Mauro Giuliani	Guitar Concerto No. 2 in A major, Op. 36 (versions for guitar & strings; gt. & string quartet)	29:36

Previous:	Mauro Giuliani: Ariette, Lieder, Musiche da Camera
Next:	Mauro Giuliani: Guitar Concerto No. 3; Gran Quintetto; Variations for Guitar & String Quartet