The Carmen Suites No. 1 and 2, arranged after George Bizet’s death, include the most popular passages and melodies of his associated opera. Originally scored for large orchestra,
the Carmen Suites belong to the most frequently transcribed works of the late Romantic music literature. Consequently, the adaptation for four guitars is not surprising because, above all, the rhythmic elements are particularly well suited to the Spanish Guitar. The six pieces on this CD are taken from both suites and are the most demanding on the musicians’ virtuosity in the movements, “Torreadors” and “Gypsy Dance”.

The four dances from “Terpsichore” by Michael Praetorius stand in stark contrast to the fiery sound of the Carmen Suite. This popular collection of secular dances written for a variety of strings and wind instruments is named after the Greek muse of dance and choral poetry. An adaptation for guitar quartet reminds us of the Lyra as a harp-like stringed instrument being the symbolic instrument of the muse, Terpsichore. Graceful elegance and a highly peaceful mood characterise the selected movements.

Federico Moreno Torroba’s “Estampas” was originally written for four guitars. Beside his symphonic works, operas, and Zarzuelas, the Madrid born composer wrote nearly one hundred pieces for guitar during his life, above all inspired by the acquaintance of Andrés Segovia. His compositions always embodied the spirit of Spanish folk music, and are expressed in the titles of his “Estampas” (images): “Farmers dancing Fandango – dawn – wedding – children’s play”.

“Oyun” (Turkish word for “game”) by Carlo Domeniconi belongs to the most popular compositions for guitar quartet. It was actually written for guitar ensemble (premiered by the Paderborn Festival Ensemble) and adapted for two guitars and orchestra by Domeniconi himself. Within a very short time it found its way into the repertoire of many international guitar quartets. Domeniconi is one of the most important composers for guitar of our time. Sixteen concertos for guitar(s) and orchestra, hundreds of solo, duo, and quartet compositions for guitar and the world-famous “Koyunbaba” for solo guitar are penned by him. The Italian, who had spent many years in Turkey and now lives in Berlin, combines western and eastern musical traditions in his music creating a very unique sound.

The Toccata for four guitars by the Cuban composer Léo Brouwer is highly virtuoso and a rhythmically contradictory piece with an extremely powerful sound. The instruments, which are to be clanged and plucked in a variety of ways, resound into an exhilarating tone. The fast repetitions through all parts give the musicians ample opportunity to demonstrate their technical skills, and in the echo passages the different timbres of the guitars are shown to their fullest advantage.

Thomas F. Kirchhoff