Giulio Regondi: A 200th Birthday Bouquet
Bridge, 2022
8/10
Listen to Giulio Regondi: A 200th Birthday Bouquet
A solo guitar outing from the esteemed David Starobin, we’re treated to previously unissued tracks, as well as re-mastered Regondi gems from Starobin’s superb back catalog.
“Introduction et Caprice, op. 23” opens the listen with very warm and soothing playing that spends 9+ minutes mesmerizing us with its strong attention to beauty, and “Fête villageoise, Op. 20” continues the elegance with unparalleled playing that’s melodic and timeless.
“Air varié No. 1 for Guitar, Op. 21” arrives in the middle and emits much adventurousness and intimacy, while “Concertina Etude in A Minor (Transcr. D. Starobin)” mesmerizes us with its complicated and charming progressions.
Approaching the end “Guitar Etude No. 2 in A Minor”, the best selection, illustrates Starobin’s incredible agility with his instrument in the dreamy, pretty delivery, and “Nocturne ‘Reverie’, op. 19” exits with swift, dynamic string acrobatics that flow like few others could replicate.
A listen that’s rich with artistry and pays homage to Regondi’s technical prowess, Starobin again impresses us immensely with his six finger performance.
Travels well with: Steven Beck- Charles Wuorinen: A Tribute; Rune Most- Flute Concertos