The Soul of Antonio de Torress "1867": Isao Kitaguchi

CD Album Art 

I picked up this CD at a local clearance sale, attracted by the name "Antonio de Torres".  I did not expect much from CD; being unfamiliar with Isao Kitaguchi and the fact that more than half of the characters on the rear of the CD case was Japanese.  This must be one of the best kept secrets of classical guitar recordings.


All the tracks were performed on a 1867, Antonio de Torres.  Antonio de Torres is known as the Stradivari of the guitar world, and almost all the instruments are well documented in the book, Antonio de Torres, Guitar Maker - His Live & Work by Jose L. Romanillos.


The guitar in the CD is also known as FE27A, Spruce/Rosewood with a tornavoz. According to the description in the book, it does not seem like anything to write home about.  But the CD is definitely something to recommend to all guitar players.


Two of my favorite pieces are La Catedral and Madrigal by Barrios.  These lyrical pieces really made the guitar sing and you could really feel the guitarist and the composer's intent.  All the pieces are really played very well, and inspiring to any student of the classical guitar.


The CD is from Japan, from COSMO VILLAGE Co., Ltd.  Recorded in 1995 at the Guitar Culture Museum at 88.2kHz sampling.  It is interesting that some of the background sound, like breathing and external sounds was recorded as well.  Not necessary a bad thing, as it lends a sense of realism.  The dome of the Museum also added some reverb to the sound of the guitar.


Track Listing:
1)  Barrios: La Catedral (7:36)
2)  Barrios: El Ultimo Tremolo (3:13)
3)  Barrios: Oracion (02:53)
4)  Barrios: Villancico de Navidad (3:02)
5)  Barrios: Un Sueno en la Floresta (6:28)
6)  Mompou: Coral (2:16)
7)  Mompou: Cuna (3:03)
8)  Tarrega: Adelita (1:44)
9)  Tarrega: Marieta (2:02)
10) Villa-Lobos: Prelude No. 5 (3:26)
11) Barrios: Comtemplacion (4:15)
12) Barrios: Julia Florida (3:18)
13) Barrios: Madrigal (3:07)
14) Barrios: Vals No. 2 (3:08)
15) Barrios: Vals op.8-3 (3:11)
16) Barrios: Vals op.8-4 (3:56)
17) Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra (4:44)
Total Time 61:29


Jeremy