This disc of music for guitar from the Baroque era
contains compositions from four composers. Gaspar Sanz and Francesco
Corbetta are reasonably well known, the other two (Nicola Matteis and
Francois Le Cocq) less so.
The emphasis here is on authenticity; so the instruments
employed by guitarist Taro Takeuchi (one an original 17th
century guitar, the other a copy of a 1641 guitar made in 1982) are
double coursed five string guitars, popular during the period. It is
hard to believe the sound produced by this type of instrument was known
for longer than the modern concert guitar has been in existence.
Although this is Taro Takeuchi’s first solo recording
his specialized skills in this area of music have seen him perform with
various early music groups such as ‘The Age of Enlightenment’ and ‘The
Parley of Instruments’. In addition he is an ex- pupil of the distinguished
lutenist Nigel North, so his technique is built on a solid foundation
which is displayed well on this disc. His punteado (plucked)
passages are well articulated and the rasgueado (strummed) sections
rhythmically solid. These facets of the art, together with his use of
ornament, make for some fine informed performances. The "Suite
in G" for guitar and continuo, with the use of a bass viol, made
for a nice contrast.
I found the use of a narrator announcing the individual
titles of the "Clarines y Trompetas con Canciones muy curiosas
Eapanolas y de Estanjeras Naciones" a little unnecessary.
Although this is not in the mainstream of what is regarded
as the guitar CD market the disc is worthy of investigation for those
seeking something a little different.
Andy Daly