Tour de force!
author: Darren Bloom
This fantastic disc is an excellent introduction to the technical and expressive capabilities of the guitar. Adam Brown’s lyrical and emotive performances of these approachable modern classics does well to hide the virtuosity needed to bring off the artful renditions these works deserve. For me, the true revelation of this disc was Britten’s ‘Nocturnal after John Dowland, Op.70’. This set of theme and variations (where the theme unusually comes at the end) is a true tour de force. Brown takes the listener on a powerful journey from the opening movement titled ‘Musingly’ through to the Passacaglia, the penultimate and largest movement, which reaches an apotheosis that can only be followed by the Dowland theme, the seed from which the rest of the piece was born. Brown’s performance of the Dowland theme is worth special note. It is a simple, no frills, interpretation that lets the beauty of the subtle lines and harmonic changes speak for themselves and perfectly rounds off Britten’s masterpiece. It has been said in the reviews above but it’s worth saying again, this is definitely a disc worth owning!
Read more...
The Rebels Within
author: Paul Oliver
This is a disc which gives a very favourable impression both of the richness and variety of the twentieth-century guitar repertoire and also of the performer’s own assurance and versatility. All of the pieces are played with real sensitivity to their ever-changing moods; even so, the lyricism and beauty of Lennox Berkeley’s Theme and Variations Op. 77 come as a revelation. Listeners who are familiar with any or all of the pieces will find plenty to enjoy here, but the disc would also serve as an excellent introduction to the guitar as a solo instrument.
Read more...
The Rebels Within
author: Diana Dubet
From the very first note until the ending chord this CD is a journey of delight. Adam Brown is an outstanding guitarist whose technical mastery is matched by the rich tone colours he creates to enterpret these amazing compositions. The Rebels Within deserves a place of honour in anyone's music collection.
Read more...