Vesper
Pentatone, 2026
9/10
The guitarist Sean Shibe reimagines the work of Thomas Adès, Harrison Birtwistle, and James Dillon, where the world premieres blends illusion and ritual into the meticulous performances.
Adés’ “Forgotten Dances” opens with 6 chapters that showcase Shibe’s inimitable familiarity with his instrument, where soft and often harmonic gestures are presented with care and exploration.
Birtwistle’s “Beyond the White Hand: Construction with Guitar Player” follows with a mesmerizing spirit that’s thoughtful and unpredictable, while “Sleep Song”, also by Birtwistle, is a quick moment that could lull one into slumber’s grasp via its preciseness.
Deeper still, Birtwistle’s “Sad Song” is indeed tinted with melancholy in its expressive and emotive demeanor, and Dillon’s “12 Caprices” exits with 12 short pieces that resonate Lorca, Scottish piping and modernist miniatures with tremendous detail.
There’s over an hour of guitar sounds to explore here, as Shibe continues to push the envelope of contemporary classical music with his inventive and inestimable approach.
Travels well with: Austin Wulliman- Escape Rites; Michael Stephen Brown- Twelve Blocks