“The Complete Variations and Preludes by Manuel Maria Ponce”

“...let's just say that you'll have to go a long way to hear anyone perform as convincingly as Marchionda... A wide dynamic range and exceptionally bright and resonant timbre...”
Classical Guitar Magazine

"With this recording Stephen Marchionda mantains his reputation as one of the best American masters of the guitar."DeutschlandRadio Magazine, Berlin

The only CD to present Ponce's complete Variations together with his 24 Preludes. Manuel Ponce (1882-1948) is internationally Mexico's most famous composer. Inspired by Segovia, he left a magnificent legacy of music for guitar. Particularly striking is his Theme, Variations on 'Folia de España' And Fugue, a great collection that is regarded as the 'Old Testament' of the guitar's 20th century repertoire. Ponce's first work for Segovia was this superb set of variations, the first of four such sets he composed, each ideally demonstrating the guitar's range of textures and idiomatic effects. While "La Folia" and the Theme, Variations & Finale are staple repertory items, his poignant, late Variations on a Theme of Cabezón are seldom heard, and the Variations on a Theme of Paganini not otherwise available.
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Details
Theme, Variations on 'Folia de España' And Fugue
Twenty Four Preludes
Theme, Variations and Finale
Variations On A Theme Of Paganini
Variations On A Theme Of Cabezon

Produced and recorded by John Taylor
Recorded in the Parish Church of the Holy Trinity, Weston, Herfordshire, England 18-20th July 2000
Notes by John Duarte
Playing time: 1 hr 10 mins
CD QS 6249
[Bar code: 7 43625 62492 2]