<<<  <<  -- 2 --  Anna L Franco    A COLORFUL COLLECTION

J S Bach's Violin Partita No 1 (BWV 1002) was transcribed for guitar by Isaacs. The Partitia is a nine movement composition alternating between baroque dance forms and doubles, which are accompanying variations. The dances forms are varied in character and tempo. The stately Allemande, which opens the Partita, progresses pensively and expressively followed by its Double. The Corrente is a lovely musical narrative [listen -- track 11, 0:57-1:27] and its Double is a faster movement with long runs. Sarabande is a slow movement; its Double a faster, expressive piece. Tempo di Bourrée displays an open enthusiasm, and its Double is a quieter yet intense counterpart.

Manuel Maria Ponce wrote his Unfinished Baroque Suite (1925-1932) with a Balletto and a Prelude. Isaacs performs the Balletto with sensitivity and grace [listen -- track 17, 1:03-1:32]. Following it is the Prelude, which Isaacs plays with stength and determination. The piece may be familiar to the guitar loving audiences, as it was performed by Andres Segovia.

Structures is a colorful collection of guitar music spanning over two centuries, from the Baroque music of Bach to the late romanticism of Tansman. Isaacs' expressive performance gives unity to this varied program, which is like a mini-tour through the history of classical guitar composition.

David Isaacs lives in Southern California where he runs the Long Beach Classical Guitar Society and teaches at various music schools. He and his wife Chelsea Camille formed a duo, Chanson du Soir. Isaacs studied classical guitar performance at California State University, Fullerton. He has two other CDs released: What Dreams May Come (2001) and Nocturnal March (2003). The performer's website is: www.isaacsguitar.net

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