This is Victor Villadangos’s first recording for Naxos
and I hope it is not the last as we are treated to some beautifully
clear articulated playing that extracts just the right nuances from
this music of the Argentine.
Most of the pieces are new to me, although I am familiar
with the "Serie Americana" of Hector Ayala, firstly through
an early vinyl recording by Narciso Yepes and recently on CD by Eleftheria
Kotzia. This rendition by Victor Villadangos, with its firm rhythms
and fine clarity, is, I feel, the superior version.
I well remember Jason Vieaux’s playing three of Pujol’s
"Cinco Preludios" (Naxos 8.553449), which was the first time
I encountered the name of Máximo Diego Pujol, and thinking what
striking music it was. I was not surprised to learn that he has won
a number of competitions for composition. With his pieces on this disc
he can only justify that status. However, the two composers that I have
mentioned do not stand alone here. All the music is of the highest standard
and if you enjoy the music of South America and that of Argentina in
particular this disc is for you. A bargain at twice the price.
Andy Daly
See also review by Gary
Higginson
Victor Villadangos - guitar