The classical guitar is imbued with the spirit of Spain. Its extraordinary musical range—from whispering intimacy to thundering percussiveness—evokes all of the quiet poetry, vibrant dances, and fiery passion of the country’s ancient culture. Pablo Sainz Villegas is a phenomenal player whose breathtaking technical and musical mastery casts shimmering new light on old favorites. Those include Albéniz’s brooding “Asturias” and Tárrega’s atmospheric “Recuerdos de la Alhambra.” But there are some enthralling, lesser-known gems to discover, too. See Giménez’s thrilling “La boda de Luis Alonso”—a piece of staggering virtuosity from Spain’s theatrical zarzuela tradition—or Albéniz’s “Mallorca,” a tender homage to the island. Throughout, Sainz Villegas is the perfect guide on this journey into his country’s musical soul.
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