author: Minor 7th Webzine
It's astounding to think that just a few generations ago, there were a handful of classical guitarists who could walk through a program as varied as Villa-Lobos, Poulenc, and Castelnuovo-Tedesco. Now, the pool of talent on classical guitar is vast and deep. Jessica Papkoff is one such guitarist, and this - her first solo recording - won Acoustic Guitar Magazine's 2003 Homegrown CD Award. The winner is no flash in the pan - she has considerable academic and professional experience behind her. Papkoff says that the disc is a tribute to the great French composer Claude Debussy. The recording quality is excellent, but it's Papkoff's fine playing which deserves the credit. Papkoff's playing throughout is thoughtful, and she reveals considerable skill, whether chording, running through arpeggios, or finding the right space within the moment. She treats a trio of preludes by Villa-Lobos with the sensitivity and passion they deserve. Her Dake Traphagen guitar brings fullness to the variety of textures Papkoff paints through the program. "Homenaje" by Manuel de Falla rushes in and out with Spanish force. Poulenc's "Sarabande for Guitar" is just lovely. The most interesting piece of the CD is Debussy's "Syrinx". Papkoff renders its quirky undulation beautifully, finding the right pace to its undulating atonality. Papkoff shimmers throughout three movements of Abel Carlevaro's "Preludios Americanos", romping through the "Campo", while rendering the "Scherzino" with both technique and interpretive charm. My only complaint about the disk is that it's a mere 32 minutes long. Hopefully Jessica Papkoff will release another one soon.
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Brilliant playing!
author: Edward S. Lashen
Magnificent playing! Sound, phrasing, emphasis are wonderful. Can't say enough good things about this CD. I hope Jessica Papkoff will have another classical CD out soon.
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I heard one short mp3 and had to have this recording.
author: William Belk
Don't buy this CD unless you really enjoy excellent music played to perfection.
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just listened to the second of what will be many
author: Joseph McSweeney
> I've just finished listening to your impressions for the 2nd time of
> what I'm sure will be many. Wanted to thank you for your artistry as
> a performer and producer. The performance was superior throughout(I
> have yet to hear any rythmic foibling) and you have found what is
> very close to my ideal balance between the highs and lows of the
> instrument. Bravo!
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