5 Essential Recordings... Suggestions?

[Scallywag]

Hello!

I must admit that my musical library comprises far too little classical guitar. So I'm asking... if one were to suggest five so-called essential recordings to highlight the best players, composers and tonal qualities the classical guitar world has to offer, what might those suggestions be? I'm open to anything, modern or traditional. I do ask, however, for suggestions that feature al least decent sound (recording) quality. Low-fi recordings tend not to hold my interest.

Thank you!

[Dave T]

I'll give you my favorites but this is really a case of YMMV.

In no particular order:

The Art of Segovia (2 CD)

Julian Bream - The Ultimate Guitar Collection (2 CD)

John Williams - Spanish Guitar Music

John Williams - The Great Paraguayan Guitar Music of Barrios

That's a total of 6 discs and a lot to listen to. I've played them over an over and will again.

Since you specified "classical" I didn't include my favorite Flamenco player, Sabicas. He was master of the guitar and a joy to listen to, particularly if you also like Flamenco. Even if you don't it's worth hearing his playing ability.

Dave

[Dogsnax]

You'll get many great suggestions from some astute classical enthusiasts, but these are my five favorite classical guitar recordings:

Manuel Barrueco - "Sometime Ago"

Julian Bream - "Music of Spain, Granados & Albeniz"

Stephan Schmidt - "Bach Lute Works"

Paul Galbraith - "Plays Haydn"

Graham Anthony Devine - "Brouwer: Guitar Music Volume 3"

[brucefulton]

You can spend hours on youtube seeing what you like. Then if you want the higher end recordings, you can order them. Use a lot of key words and follow the recommendation links. Surf for hours or days. Or weeks. Narrow it down to what is appealing to you.

This is such an open unfocussed request, there isn't really a good response. It's kind of like saying, "I like cars. Which ones should I test drive?"

[Paikon]

These have a special place in my heart
Stephan Schmidt - Bach Lute Works
Assad brothers play Piazzolla.
Stockholm Guitar Quartet Mendelssohn - Brahms - Debussy
EVANGELOS AND LIZA / PLAY THE ROMANTICS - (CHOPIN - ALBENIZ - FALLA - GRANADOS)

[Craviola]

Always go to discs for me:

Julian Bream & John Williams -Together

Julian Bream - Ultimate Collection

John Schinderman - J.K. Mertz Guitar Duos

William Kanengiser - Echos of the Old World

Paulo Bellinati - Serenata - Choros and Waltzes of Brasil

[aknow]

Julian Bream/John Williams "Together"

Listening to this cd is the quickest way out of a bad mood, frustrating time,
I know of.

[AlVal]

all of the above...anything by the Assad brothers is just amazing listening

and throw in
Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez by Manuel Barrueco EMI

[Scallywag]

Great, thank you for the replies! I know my request was rather vague, so it does well to represent my knowledge on the subject. Anyways, these suggestions will hopefully serve as a springboard to my foray into classical guitar. Much appreciated!