Isbin digs out Rodrigo delights

Classic FM's John Brunning gives full marks to award-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin's insightful recording of Rodrigo favourites

Composer: Rodrigo et al
Repertoire: Guitar concertos
Artists: Sharon Isbin (guitar), New York PO/José Serebrier
Rating: 5/5 
Genre: Orchestral 
Label: Warner 2564 60296-2  

Rodrigo’s magnum opus must vie with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons for the title ‘most recorded work’. So do we need this album? I believe the answer is yes. First, the soloist is the Grammy Award-winning guitarist, Sharon Isbin; second, the conductor, José Serebrier, enhances his reputation as a master of orchestral balance by unveiling new insights into the music; and third, the musicians respond enthusiastically to the subtleties of Serebrier’s conducting. Excellent.