Narciso Yepes, the renowned Spanish classical guitarist, presents a captivating journey through centuries of guitar music with his album "Guitar Music Of Five Centuries." Released on November 1, 1982, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album is a testament to Yepes' virtuosic skill and his deep connection with the instrument.
Spanning a diverse range of styles and periods, the album features works from the Renaissance to the 20th century. It opens with a piece from the 16th century, "Canson englesa. Allemande et Reprise," showcasing Yepes' ability to bring historical music to life. The album then moves through Baroque compositions like "Auserlesene Lauten-Stücke" by Johann Hermann Schein, and classical pieces such as the "Violin Concerto in G Minor" by Antonio Vivaldi, arranged for guitar by Yepes himself.
The 20th century is represented by works like "Au clair de la lune Variations" by Napoleon Coste, and "Sarabande for Guitar" by Francis Poulenc, demonstrating Yepes' versatility and the guitar's adaptability to various musical eras. The album also includes original compositions by Yepes, such as "Ráfaga, Op. 53," offering a glimpse into his own musical language.
With a total duration of 47 minutes, "Guitar Music Of Five Centuries" is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the guitar's rich history. Yepes' precise and expressive playing, coupled with his thoughtful programming, makes this album a delightful and enlightening experience for any classical music enthusiast.