Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse world of Leo Brouwer's guitar sonatas, masterfully interpreted by Ricardo Gallén. This two-CD set, released by IBS Classical in 2019, presents the complete collection of six guitar sonatas by the renowned Cuban composer, spanning a total duration of 1 hour and 53 minutes.
The album begins with the vibrant and rhythmic "Guitar Sonata No. 1," featuring movements like "Fandangos y boleros" and "Sarabanda de Scriabin," showcasing Brouwer's unique blend of classical and folk influences. The journey continues with "Guitar Sonata No. 2 'Del caminante'," inspired by the landscapes and cultures of South America, and the mystical "Guitar Sonata No. 3 'Del decamerón negro'," drawing from African and Cuban folklore.
Ricardo Gallén's performance is particularly noteworthy for the world premiere recording of "Guitar Sonata No. 6 'De los enigmas'," originally composed for archlute and transcribed by Gallén himself. This sonata, along with the introspective "Guitar Sonata No. 4 'Del pensador'," dedicated to Gallén, offers a profound exploration of Brouwer's later compositional style.
The album also includes the playful and virtuosic "Guitar Sonata No. 5 'Ars combinatoria'," demonstrating Brouwer's mastery of contrapuntal techniques. Throughout the collection, Gallén's technical brilliance and expressive depth bring Brouwer's intricate compositions to life, making this album a captivating exploration of one of the most significant bodies of work in contemporary classical guitar repertoire.
