DCD Classical 'Cast #65 posted

The latest episode of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" features two unique solo artists: Jerome Mouffe, and Les Timming. Mouffe's an up-and-coming young classical guitarist whose debut recording, "Capriccio" displays sublime virtuosity.

"Les Timming Solo - Compositions and Improvisations" is a recording of a legendary recital given at the University of Wisconsin. Timmig, on a variety of wind instruments, performs his own compositions for solo winds, as well as some truly inspired improvisations.

- Ralph

Podcast episode #045 posted

This episode of the DCD Classical 'Cast we showcase the winner of the Boston GuitarFest performance competition. One of the prizes for this professionally juried competition is a recording with VGo. We play selections from that prize recording with last year's winner, Christina Pérez Madiedo.

We also go back and sample two works from the previous year's co-winners, Steve Lin and Joseph Williams II.

If you like classical guitar music, then this is the program for you!

- Ralph

Podcast episode #042 posted

Con Brio's latest release, "Saudade," features some exciting classical guitar performances by up-and-coming artist Stephen Reck. It's such a great recording, I made it the centerpiece of this edition of the "DCD Classical Cast."

To round out the podcast, we revisit the first release from our own records, "Music from Bales Organ Recital Hall." James Higdon is a great organist, as this CD amply proves.

- Ralph

Steve Lin, guitar

Steve Lin, one of the winners of the Boston GuitarFest, releases his first solo CD, "Imagen." As you might expect from this young performer, it's a guitar recital full of energy and excitement.

Lin plays works by the composers who most inspired him: Benito Canonigos, Antonio Lauro, and the great Agustin Barrios Mangore.

Look for this VGo recording on our website!

- Ralph

Episode #34 posted

I just posted Episode #34 of the DCD Classical 'Cast. When we received the new CD by Grisha, I knew we had to do a feature on this remarkable artist. This podcast we play selections from Grisha's two recordings on the VGo label. It was a fun show to put together, and Grisha's performances kept the energy level high throughout the program.

And we've put together a special package of Grisha's two albums. Purchase them together, and you can save 20%. We want to help this young man continue to be successful!

- Ralph

Podcast episode #29 now available

I just posted epispode #29 of the DCD Classical 'Cast. The title is "Summertime Fare." All of the selections have a light texture, which is the common theme.

We start with a Baroque lute duet performed by John Schneiderman, and then sample some short piano works of Brahms ably played by Vera Breheda.

The final selection is a concerto for double bass. The title may suggest a heavy work, but it's actually a short early classical composition for double bass and harpsichord. And so the podcast ends on a light (but very low) note.

- Ralph

Treasures from the Philippines

Back in 2002 VGo Recordings released "Philippine Treasures." Guitarist Angelo Favis played traditional and composed music from his native islands. The second volume is finally available, and we got it on the website post haste.

Volume 2 is a nice companion to the original release. Some of the works move from the traditional to the classical realm, and many of the composers are from the mid- rather than early-twentieth century.

While we've catagorised these two releases as "world music," they would not be out of place on the shelf of any collector of classical guitar recordings.

Here's a sampling of this remarkable collection.

Sampaguita

- Ralph