Peter Xifaras treats us to a wonderful collection of works for the guitar in his aptly-titled Appassionato [Sambuca Records]. Indeed, the release exudes the kind of musical passion that can only be wrought from the guitar’s six strings. Familiar classical themes serve as points of departure for Xifaras as he explores delightfully original variations. An ambitious composer, highlights include his Appassionato Suite and Two Sketches for Guitar. The warm sound of his flamed maple and cedar Borys mixes well with the tastefully executed, guitar-triggered MIDI effects that only serve to sweeten the experience, and provide a varied sonic pallet for the listener’s ears. With a technique that is both clean and confident, Peter Xifaras is truly a classically-oriented guitarist for the new millennium.

Peter Xifaras is a gifted guitarist and composer, who combines elements from classical, New Age, and world music. Adding piano, keyboards, and a bit of percussion, he has created an album of astonishing beauty, perfect for a relaxing evening with friends. He also throws in a taste of flamenco, a nosh of East Asian, a soupcon of nature sounds, and even a dash of synthesizers, amply rewarding the careful listener. The 12 tracks are divided into three groupings: Appassionato Suite, with six songs based on a common theme, Two Sketches fo Guitar, and Greensleeves Variations, with four songs exploring that ancient yet enduring theme. Appassionato is quiet dinner music, gentle on the senses while touching the heart and invoking relaxation.

It could very well be that you have heard at least parts of Appassionato on your radio...its enjoyed quite a lot of airplay. Now, Peter Xifaras' brilliant album is available at retail so you can listen to it and enjoy it in its entirety. And what a treat it is! There are three major works on this CD, totaling twelve songs. All are beautifully composed or arranged, performed, engineered and produced by Mr. Xifaras, a master of the classical guitar. Appassionato is filled with a variety of single-note melodies that are embellished with harmonics and textures that transported this reviewer on a journey of healing. Indeed, there are many words I can use to describe this musical melange...sultry, sexy, relaxing, Latin, emotional and imaginative. Style-wise you will find music from flamenco to neo-classical to renaissance...all played with heart born of love and talent. Peter's guitar (and keyboard) playing is technically expert and musically superb. Each note is individual, yet at the same time, seem to announce and blend with the next note. And no matter what style, the performance is always smooth, diverse, pleasing and creative. Occasionally this reviewer finds an artist who can do it all. Such is Peter Xifaras and the proof is his new album, Appassionato. In this reviewer's opinion, you should run, not walk to get your copy of Appassionato.

...In NAV's final airwaves of 1999, newcomer Peter Xifaras's Appassionato crowned the chart. A classically trained guitarist, Xifaras developed his sultry style throughout his years of performing, composing and teaching. The tracks on Appassionato display his compositional talents from nuevo flamenco to neo-classical. Every track is rich with emotion, richly textured and brimming with imagination. As for the New Age genre, Xifaras told NAV that he is very optimistic of its future. "I think New Age will be much bigger than it is today. In recent years, technological advancements in communication have allowed us to view and communicate with other parts of the world giving everyone instant exposure to the globe." As for his own future, Xifaras already has themes slated for his next 2 CD's in the works for 2000. Xifaras also adds, "I'd like to see this genre of music become the 'Top 40' of popular music for everyone. In Bach's day, classical was 'Top 40'; in the 1940's big band was; so why not New Age?"...