Miloš Karadaglić: Mediterraneo

Miloš Karadaglić is technically brilliant but sometimes over-emotes where a simple, seamless, singing melody is the key.

Composer: A selection of solo guitar works
Repertoire:  Albéniz, Domeniconi, Llobet, Granados, Tárrega, Theodorakis
Artists: Miloš Karadaglić (gtr)
Rating: 3/5
Genre: Instrumental
Label: DG 4779338
 

The Music: These short pieces are indubitably bound with the Iberian character of the guitar (even if some are transcriptions of piano pieces).  There are some lollipops, too, such as the oft-recorded anonymous Romanza. More intriguing are the works by two living guitarist-composers, who both write in a rhythmic, tonal idiom.

The Performance: Karadaglić demonstrates exemplary technical skill and command of the instrument, musical flair and some really arresting and unusual tone colours in the style of his hero Julian Bream. Yet he sometimes over-emotes and loses the legato line, particularly in the Tárrega pieces, where a simple, seamless, singing melody is the key. He’s at his most impressive and exciting in the transcriptions of piano works by Albéniz – Asturias and Granada – where his brilliant technique is evident.

The Verdict: Miloš Karadaglić, a young guitarist from the Balkan country of Montenegro, is indeed a rising star. At times, he seems to be trying too hard to express his musicality, when he simply needs to go with the flow and capture a simple bel canto line. It would be good to hear him tackle more challenging, unusual repertoire.

EMMA BAKER