Turina: Sevillana, Op. 29

Rovshan Mamedkuliev was first prize-winner at the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America Competition in 2012, and now stands as one of the world’s most exciting young instrumentalists. He has constructed a programme with several themes. Iberian music is represented by Falla, Albéniz and Turina, and by two of the titans of guitar playing, Miguel Llobet and Francisco Tárrega. He also includes music by his Azerbaijani compatriot, Fikret Amirov, whose folkloric-influenced music is another thematic link. The kaleidoscopic Just How Funky Are You by Andrew York and Leo Brouwer’s An Idea explore the guitar’s contemporary vitality. This recital disc demonstrates a number of facets at Mahmedkuliev’s disposal. He celebrates the Spanish lineage of the instrument with some canonic pieces, but also appeals more widely via contemporary music and by promoting the music of his compatriot. This disc will appeal both to admirers of this exciting new guitarist and to his repertoire choices.

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.