New Publication – God’s Time by J.S. Bach, BWV 106
- Publishing, Recordings
- No Comments
Complete Concert Information: ALCGuitar.com/calendar
*more concerts are being added
Honored to have ‘God’s Time: Music of J.S. Bach on Guitar’ chosen as one of the Best Albums of 2023 by The Arts Fuse!
Read the whole article by clicking above!
This 10th solo album from the esteemed guitarist and composer Aaron Larget-Caplan offers us Spanish and flamenco selections where he showcases his inimitable spin via the rich and mesmerizing playing.
The warm and cultured “Two Pieces”, by Isaac Albéniz, opens the listen with much charm and grace, and Esteban de Sanlúcar’s “Mantilla de Feria” follows with a more firm approach of meticulous and agile finger acrobatics.
The middle tracks belong to the swift and melodic gestures of Francisco Tárrega’s “Five Pieces”, while Albéniz’’s “Granada” finds a more intimate place to reside with its soothing and harmonic patterns.
The final track, “Espana Cani”, by Pascual Marquina” is just as intricate, where Larget-Caplan’s playful techniques touche on Spanish ideas with profound skill.
This is Larget-Caplan’s 4th time working with the multi-Grammy winner Kabir Sehgal, who helps illuminate these time honored Spanish pieces that again solidify Larget-Caplan as one of today’s most luminous guitarists.
Travels well with: Aaron Larget-Caplan– Honey Cadence; Reza Khan– Imaginary Road
Spanish Candy • Tiger Turn, 2023
8/10
Visit Take Effect by clicking on the image.
I am grateful for the many people who have made this year so special. At times I felt like 2023 was a normal year of music making and collaboration, and then I would be reminded that our recent past is very much with us and that the world is very fragile.
I consider 2023 to be Adventure in Music year, and I think we have earned a bit of rest and a special cappuccino or affogato (see below) to commemorate the beauty that can exist in the world, if we so desire it.
Onward for a wonderful, safe, and healthy 2024, and thanks to all who have listened, enjoyed, and explored music with me in 2023!
Aaron
ALBÉNIZ Suite española No. 1, op. 47: No. 3, Sevilla. Granada (both arr. Larget-Caplan). Suite española No. 2, op. 97: No. 4, Zambra granadiana. SANLÚCAR Mantilla de Feria. TÁRREGA La Paloma. La Mariposa. Lágrima. Recuerdos de la Alhambra. MARQUINA España Cañi.
Only 6 of Aaron Larget-Caplan’s 10 discs has been reviewed in Fanfare. I reviewed two of them: Honey Cadence in Fanfare 46:1, comprised of some of Larget-Caplan’s own compositions and God’s Time, a disc devoted to Larget-Caplan’s transcriptions of Bach keyboard works for guitar (47:4). This new disc, Spanish Candy is his tenth album (no flies on me for knowing this!) and celebrates his love for Spanish music and flamenco, mixing arrangements of works originally for piano with pieces for guitar. It was Spanish music that inspired Larget-Caplan as a child, so the project is clearly dear to his heart. As he says, “this music lit a flame in my heart and literally changed my life”; inevitably, Segovia was a large influence.
This is his fourth disc on Tiger Turn records (and, indeed, with successful producer Kabir Sehgal) Larget-Caplan’s trademark technical security mixed with flair and élan fits this music perfectly. He also has a long history of working with flamenco dancers in a classical-flamenco fusion via his ensemble ¡Con Fuego!.
The attractive “Zambra granadina,” the fourth and final movement of the 1888 Suite española No. 2, is deservedly popular. Larget-Caplan’s rhythmic sense is the key to the success of the reading, while his timbral excellence and variety enlivens the musical surface. The recording, close and clear, supports his every move, The more extrovert “Sevilla” (from the first Suite) speaks of blazing sunshine, propelled along by its internal rhythms. Larget-Caplan’s articulation is splendid.
Composed by flamenco guitarist Esteban De Sanlúcar (1910-89), Mantilla de Feria is a gentler beast, and here it is Larget-Caplan’s control that is so impressive, maintaining a low dynamic while projecting the spirit of dance. As he does in the habanera, La Paloma by Francisco Tárrega. The layering of bassline rhythm and sweet (and very famous) melody is exquisitely judged, the intervening registral space carrying an implicit loneliness. The next piece La Mariposa, is complex yet brief; the rather more restrained Lágrima sings a sweet song in response. Perhaps a touch more flow would have sealed the deal here: expression that works in the concert hall sometimes can feel stilted in the recording studio. No such caveats about the remarkably peaceful Recuerdos de la Alhambra (an impression helped by Larget-Caplan’s superb tremolo technique). The final offering of the five-piece Tárrega sequence is Prudent, a minor-key étude of great poignancy while maintaining its study-like demeanor.
The last piece by Albéniz follows: the serenata Granada. And what colors Larget-Caplan is able to conjure up from his guitar here! Of all the loveliness on this disc, this performance is the fairest (and if that sounds like a slender maiden, it is not by accident: there is grace galore here). Finally, Pascual Marquina Narro’s España Cañi (Gypsy Spain; the composer is better known with “Pasquina” as the surname). Larget-Caplan puts a whole lot into his performance so the listener can draw a whole lot out. Detail is brilliantly projected, while the music itself is infused with the spirit of the pasodoble.
A beautiful homage from a master guitarist to Spain. “Candy” it might be, but offered at the highest level. Recommended. Colin Clarke
Five stars: A beautiful homage from a master guitarist to Spain. “Candy” it might be, but offered at the highest level.
This article originally appeared in Issue 47:2 (Nov/Dec 2023) of Fanfare Magazine.
–> https://spanishcandy.lnk.to/SpanishCandy (streaming, downloads, CDs)
Spanish Candy features classical Spanish and flamenco standards by Isaac Albéniz and Francisco Tárrega, Esteban du Sanlúcar, and Pascual Marquina.
Spanish Candy is the culmination of a vision that sought to combine my favorite elements of flamenco (dance, rasgueado, energy) and Spanish classical guitar (harmonic language and colors). See Sevilla, Mantilla de Feria, and España Cañi for examples.
The 10 tracks promise to be a treat for fans of Spanish classical and flamenco music.
This is my 10th studio album and fourth with producer Kabir Sehgal for Tiger Turn.
It is also the first dedicated to the music of Spain, I am grateful to be able share Spanish Candy with you.
Read the complete press release and see a video playlist: https://alcguitar.com/album-spanish-candy.php
Thank you for listening,
Aaron
Ps. The first 50 CD orders via Bandcamp will receive a special ALC Olé magnet.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am thrilled to announce the upcoming release of “Spanish Candy.” This album is set to drop on May 26, and is an absolute must-listen for all lovers of classical and flamenco guitar.
“Spanish Candy” features 10 tracks of classical and flamenco gems by some of the most celebrated Spanish composers, including Isaac Albéniz, Francisco Tarrega, Pascual Marquina, and Esteban de Sanlúcar. Click to reserve the singles on streaming and download services:
La Paloma • April 19
Recuerdos de la Alhambra • April 28
Lagrima • May 5
Mantilla de Feria • May 18
SPANISH CANDY • May 26
Being my first album dedicated to the music of Spain, I’ve included repertoire that grabbed the heart of a 16yo kid and completely changed his world. It is music of love, excitement, nostalgia, and peace, and I hope it brings all of that and more to you!
“Spanish Candy” marks my 10th album and fourth with the Tiger Turn. Since November 2021, my albums have earned over 4 million streams, and I am excited to add “Spanish Candy” to the mix.
We owe a special thanks to Steve Hunt for mixing and mastering the album, Kabir Sehgal for his guidance, Alex Fedorov for the stunning album design, and Catherine Larget-Caplan for her stellar photos (CD). A CD will be available through Bandcamp.
Reserve your singles and album, mark your calendars, and get ready to experience the exquisite artistry of “Spanish Candy.”