Mediterraneo (CD review)

Milos Karadaglic, guitar. DG B0015579-02.

There appears to be a renaissance of some kind going on in the recording of classical guitar music. Following hard on the heels of Scottish guitarist David Russell's album of music by Albeniz comes this new release of Mediterranean music from Montenegrin guitarist Milos Karadoglic. Both discs are almost equally rewarding.

Milos's album begins on familiar ground with Isaac Albeniz's "Asturias" in a smooth, effortless performance of music with a strong Spanish flavor. Milos (who apparently prefers the first name only, which I hope does not become an affection as with Liberace, Cher, or Kennedy) plays with great tenderness. Indeed, it is this "heart" that permeates all the music on the disc.

The rest of the tracks follow suit. Tarrega's celebrated "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" practically brings tears to one's eyes. Then, more Albeniz and Tarrega follow--"Sevilla" and "Lagrima"--again played for maximum emotional effect. This is, after all, music that most touch the senses, and it is in this regard that Milos scores most heavily, above and beyond the virtuosic finger work on display.

When Milos is performing live, he says "it's close to dreaming for me--afterwards I don't remember much about it.  I just remember feeling very well, with a high level of energy and emotion." That sentiment might just as well describe his studio music making here.

Milos then turns to an anonymous "Romance," accompanied by the English Chamber Orchestra, that is quite lovely, succeeded by more Tarrega and Albeniz. By the second half of the program, he's into music by Italian guitarist Carlo Domeniconi, Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, Spanish guitarist Miguel LLobet, and Spanish composer Enrique Granados, all of the music chosen for its subtle, dreamy, nostalgic, sentimental, sometimes vibrant, sometimes melancholy virtues. For using largely quiet, meditative music, Milos produces a surprising variety of moods.

The sound, recorded by DG in London, 2010, is both resonant and refined. While it isn't quite as closely miked or as brilliantly transparent as Telarc's sound for David Russell, DG create a warm, relaxing sonic experience that closely matches Milos's ultrasmooth playing style.

JJP