Fernando Sor - Guitar Music Opp.22 - 25

Fernando Sor (1778-1839)
Guitar Music
Grand Sonata, Op. 22
Divertissement, Op. 23
8 Petites pieces, Op. 24
Grande Sonate, Op. 25, Guitar Sonata No. 2

Adam Holzman, guitar

Amazon By an opera and callas fan (san jose, calif.)
There are at least three reasons to purchase this CD. First, and foremost,
it contains two of the finest compositions ever written by the brilliant
Fernando Sor - the Guitar Sonata, Op. 22, the "Grande Sonate" and
Guitar Sonata, Op. 25, the "Grande Sonate No. 2." Both compositions are of
the highest musical quality. In fact, the Second Guitar Sonata with its
dark hues and somber beauty resembles one of Schubert's later piano sonatas.
It is an amazing piece! The second reason for owning this CD is Adam Holzman's
performance. There are few international guitarists who would be able to
perform these works at this high a level. His interpretations are melodic,
nuanced, and subtle. When I joined the South Bay Guitar Society in 2005 it
was after Mr. Holzman had performed in person at a small and intimate concert
hall in San Jose, Calif. I remember hearing afterwards from members who had
attended his concert about the virtuosity of this artist. Fernando Sor was
born in Barcelona, Spain. Sor was a musical prodigy and a virtuoso on the
guitar. He was a great admirer of opera and his music often reflects the
turbulence, nationalism and military heroics of his age. In 1808 Napoleon's
army invaded Spain. After the Spanish armies were defeated Sor took an
administrative post in the newly installed French government,
but after the defeat of the French in 1813 Sor and many others who had held
government posts had to flee Spain and so he settled in Paris where he lived
much of the rest of his life. All of his compositions for the guitar are
subtle and difficult. The artist who chooses to interpret his works must
command a flawless technique and an inspired musical temperament.
The First Guitar Sonata, Op.22 is large and grand in scope.
It has elements of love and war, honor and glory. It is a very difficult work
to perform in a way that the entire piece holds together through all
four movements. The third and final reason for owning this particular CD is
the quality of the guitar sound. I would have liked it if Naxos could have
told us who the maker of the guitar was - is it Hauser style? Staufer style?
Ramirez style? - (aficionados like to know these things), but nevertheless
the sound is deep and resonant. Adam Holzman brings out the special qualities
of the instrument which so endear fans of the guitar to the music of
Fernando Sor. I say Bravo M. Sor and Bravo Mr. Holzman!
As one might expect of a First Prize Winner of a prestigious Guitar Foundation
of America competition, his is a studied, nuanced, subtle performance observing
all the intricacies and complexities of these two "Grande" guitar sonatas.
Mr. Holzman observes the tempo and dynamic changes as well as the subtle
harmonic modulations taking place in these works, especially the darkly
beautiful opening movement of the Second Guitar Sonata, Op.25. While at the same
time he demonstrates fluidity and skill in performing the harmonics, the hand
flourishes, and the tremolo techniques which comprise the second movement of
this piece. He provides the shadings in color, contrast, tempo and dynamics much
as an orchestra conductor would do while directing a great ensemble.
The Naxos engineers have provided the uniform sound acoustics that they have
established through their entire guitar repertoire. Personally, I think it is
about as good as can be achieved with the digital format. I prefer the gorgeous
acoustics of a good quality vinyl long-playing record played on a turntable with
a tube amplifier. The absolute best way to enjoy the true sound of the classic
guitar! Maybe one day Naxos will find a way to bring us this type of sound.
Given the rarity of these two guitar sonatas, and the high artistic quality of
Mr. Holzman's performance, I cannot recommend this CD too much. Buy it if you
can find it. Or otherwise you will have to take your chances obtaining a copy
from a university library or worse yet downloading an MP3 copy,ugh!