Latin Romances for Guitar

Sharon Isbin's "Latin Romances for Guitar," released in 1990 under Warner Classics, is a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Latin American classical music. This 59-minute album showcases Isbin's virtuosity and deep connection with the guitar, featuring a diverse collection of pieces that highlight the romantic and evocative qualities of the genre.

The album opens with Sainz de la Maza's "Zapateado," a lively and rhythmic piece that sets the tone for the journey ahead. It continues with Joaquin Rodrigo's "Invocación y danza," a beautiful and expressive work that showcases Isbin's technical prowess and musical sensitivity. The album also includes pieces by other notable composers such as Agustin Barrios Mangoré, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Isaac Albéniz, and Leo Brouwer.

One of the highlights of the album is the inclusion of three movements from Brouwer's "El Decamerón negro," a suite of pieces inspired by the tales of Boccaccio. These movements, "La arpa del guerrero," "La huída de los amantes por el valle de los ecos," and "Balada de la doncella enamorada," are played with great passion and precision by Isbin, showcasing her ability to bring out the narrative and emotional depth of the music.

Isbin's interpretation of Albéniz's "Asturias" is another standout track. This piece, originally written for piano, has become a staple of the classical guitar repertoire, and Isbin's rendition is both technically impressive and musically nuanced.

Throughout the album, Isbin's playing is characterized by its clarity, expressiveness, and technical brilliance. Her ability to bring out the unique character of each piece, from the delicate and introspective "Andante religioso" from Barrios Mangoré's "La catedral" to the lively and rhythmic "Mallorca" by Albéniz, is a testament to her artistry and musicality.

"Latin Romances for Guitar" is a testament to Sharon Isbin's mastery of the guitar and her deep understanding of the Latin American classical repertoire. It is an album that will delight and inspire both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre.