Rebay: Violin, Viola and Guitar Sonatas [Pure DSD]

"The performers here are sublimely sensitive to Rebay’s musical subtleties, from contrasts of dynamic and the weighing of chords against melodic lines, as well as in the democratic interaction between the instruments, elegantly demonstrated in the guitar’s melodic function in the second Variations movement of the Sonata in C minor. The added ambience of 5.0 SACD surround sound is an attraction that enhances the cleanly transparent nature of both music and performance. The extra richness of sonority and darkness of timbre introduced by the viola in the Sonata in D minor is another delight. [...] relaxing into Rebay’s superbly crafted and comforting conservatism is however a joy from beginning to end, and what more could you want late at night, just before retiring with candle and nightcap."

Rebay really doesn’t sound like anyone else from the period. His unique sound and musicality are quite captivating to my ear, and this sonata can withstand multiple hearings to take it all in. […] Rebay is a fine, but certainly lesser-known composer. This disc makes a fine introduction to his work, and it’s worth a place in any collection. All the selections are being heard on disc for the first time, another reason to get this recording and enjoy Rebay’s musical offerings.

With perfect balance touched by rare delicacy in their playing, José M. Alvarez Losada on the violin, Joaquin Riquelme on the viola, an Pedro Mateo Gonzalez on the guitar make these pieces enchanting at each moment. Let us also praise the sound recording that respects tones in realistic acoustics by which the instruments thrive with ideal presence. Here is one of the best SACDs of the fall 2015.

Dankzij deze drie Spaanse pleitbezorgers - ze spelen meer dan voortreffelijk en zetten zich duidelijk met hart en ziel in voor deze muziek - is het bovendien voortdurend genieten geblazen, nog versterkt door de opname die ik wel als een juweeltje wil klasseren. Goed dat deze muziek er is!

Ferdinand Rebay had a genuine feeling for the guitar, as one can hear in this beautiful and atmospheric performances of his duo sonatas. A much enjoyable disc!

“Rebay’s duos with strings are imaginative, succinct, tune-full […] Rebay’s music on this disc is of the highest quality, and it receives playing of the finest, from Pedro Mateo González (guitar), Joaquín Riquelme (viola) and José Manuel Álvarez (violin) in dedicated and affectionate performances. […] I hope that this remarkable issue will urge further recordings of Fernand Rebay’s guitar works, so I commend it to classical guitar fans and chamber music devotees alike.”

«Not another Mozart Symphony, but a totally new experience. And let me say it straight away: This disk is a wonderful one. […] His music is thoroughly tonal, rooted in late romantic, melodious expressions. Well structured, sophisticated and refined. […] The viola player here, Joaquín Riquelme, plays with absolute ‘justesse’, which is rare for a viola player. The same applies to the violin of José Manuel Álvarez Losada. […] Revisiting a thus far mostly unknown composer, these musicians have ably lifted out of oblivion three sonatas of undeniable beauty. […] The recorded sound is exemplary.”

Wonderful music/performance recorded in DSD 256. A MUST have!

Music of Great Quality

Very Good