Xavier Diaz

In 1536, the Alsatian printer Johannes Sultzbach, renowned for having adopted in his work the most modern typographic techniques of his time, published in Naples two volumes of music dedicated to the work of Francesco Canova detto 'da Milano', Il Divino, under the title Libro della Fortuna (Book of Fortune). This fact, apparently normal in a country known for its solid printing tradition, was nevertheless surrounded by oddities and peculiarities of all kinds, and only an accumulation of coincidences made it possible. A good part of these coincidences had to do with Spain. Let us tell you this story.

Fernando Sor, an unparalleled figure in the classical guitar world, revolutionized guitar composition by emulating the rich textures of orchestral music. Educated at the prestigious Escolania de Montserrat and guided by Father Anselm Viola, Sor’s works reflect his profound understanding of counterpoint and polyphony, reminiscent of Haydn’s influence. His innovative techniques, from the use of natural harmonics to polyphonic textures, transformed the guitar into an instrument capable of producing a spectrum of orchestral sounds. This album with Xavier Díaz Latorre features some of Sor’s most exquisite pieces, including Les Folies d’Espagne, Op. 15 and Variations Brillantes sur un Air Favori de Mozart, Op. 9, showcasing his compositional brilliance and the evocative power of his music. Each track is a testament to Sor’s legacy, blending classical elegance with expressive depth, offering listeners an extraordinary auditory experience.

Fernando Sor, an unparalleled figure in the classical guitar world, revolutionized guitar composition by emulating the rich textures of orchestral music. Educated at the prestigious Escolania de Montserrat and guided by Father Anselm Viola, Sor’s works reflect his profound understanding of counterpoint and polyphony, reminiscent of Haydn’s influence. His innovative techniques, from the use of natural harmonics to polyphonic textures, transformed the guitar into an instrument capable of producing a spectrum of orchestral sounds. This album with Xavier Díaz Latorre features some of Sor’s most exquisite pieces, including Les Folies d’Espagne, Op. 15 and Variations Brillantes sur un Air Favori de Mozart, Op. 9, showcasing his compositional brilliance and the evocative power of his music. Each track is a testament to Sor’s legacy, blending classical elegance with expressive depth, offering listeners an extraordinary auditory experience.

Since 1695 Robert de Visee (ca. 1655 - after 1732) was Maître de guitare du Roy, personal guitar teacher of the Sun King, but he also shone in the chamber concerts of the court as a virtuoso on the theorbo. Xavier Diaz-Latorre gives us here an insight into a repertoire that in De Visee's lifetime was initially reserved for exclusive circles of the French court.

In their 'Schubertiade', Julian Pregardien and his instrumental friends recreate the special artistic mood one could have felt in Schubert’s day in a Viennese salon. To evoke that atmosphere, they have created a new collage of musical and literary fragments associated with the composer, featuring the unusual combination of flute, baryton and guitar.