The guitar legend Pepe Romero is back with his first solo album for Deutsche Grammophon.
With “Spanish Nights” he presents a highly personal musical recreation of the Spain he knew in his youth: often dark, introspective and melancholy but also powerful and affirmative. The artist recalls: “Dreams of freedom and peace were expressed through the arts. Among my family’s close circle were great musicians, poets, painters and composers. When we moved to the US, we continued living in an idealized Spain.”
Celebrated worldwide for his interpretations and technique, guitarist Pepe Romero is in constant demand for solo recitals and appearances with orchestra.
The album features a world premiere recording, Suite Madrileña No.1, written by Celedonion Romero, Pepe’s father and founder of “Los Romeros”. 2013 marks Celedonio’s centenary, who was born on 2 March.
His Philips recording of RODRIGO: Concierto de Aranjuez; Fantasía para un Gentilhombre has sold over 300,000 units worldwide.
Federico Moreno Torroba: Sonatina
1. Allegretto
2. Andante
3. Allegro
Joaquín Rodrigo: Three Spanish Pieces
1. Fandango
2. Passacaglia
3. Zapateado
Celedonio Romero: Suite Madrilena No.1
1. Entrada
2. En el retiro (Anoranza)
3. Chotis de la bombilla
4. En la cibeles (Nocturno)
5. En el prado (Cantando la rueda)
Nocturno
Nocturno
Joaquín Pérez Turina: Sevillana
Sevillana
November 2012
“while Pepe Romero is only in his late sixties, this is 'late style' playing, the tempi uniformly slower than one would normally hear, the tendency to focus on sheer beauty of tone more pronounced...Not that there isn't fire: Romero is also a fine flamenco guitarist and there's plenty of passion in Turina's flamenco-inspired Sevillana.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
1. Allegretto