THE CD OF THE MONTH

Article from SEICORDE Magazine (Dec 2014)

Cristiano Porqueddu, performer and composer
Novecento Guitar Sonatas 5 CD Set
2014 Brilliant Classics
The recording career of Cristiano Porqueddu is based on solid and enduring principles. His projects follow
precise and well-structured guidelines and are realised with flawless precision, offering both high-quality musical
selections and meticulously crafted interpretations.
Following the release of his triple CD, Novecento Guitar Preludes, the talented musician from Nuoro is now
continuing his exploration of 20th century music with a new album entitled Novecento Guitar Sonatas. This new
release is presented in a guise which, while not implying that his task here is complete (how could it be?), is mainly
focused on examining a large section of unexplored repertoire.
The programme includes Sonatas by Biberian, characterised by a geometric structure which blends sounds
and resonances of distant cultures; Sonatas by Cavallone, whose compositions pay homage to some important figures
in 20th century music; the Classical Sonata by Uhl, whose fourth movement is presented in the new version, rewritten
by the composer himself; the Sonata by Rozsa, performed from the composers own manuscript; the First Sonata by
Baev, a piece marked by a distinctive musical language; Sonatas by Gilardino, whose detached approach underpins a
very descriptive and evocative character; the Fantasia-Sonata by Mann, with its many and varying shades, and the
Sonata by Migot, a work with spectacular contrasts of light and shadow.
Finally, it is well worth mentioning Porqueddus own work as a composer. Indeed, his First Sonata features on
the fourth disc: a piece which fully exploits the instrument he knows so well, and which also reveals a very intense
musical texture.
Porqueddu takes on his task in an authoritative and determined manner. His technically faultless execution is
embellished with beautiful variations in tone and examples of very bold interpretation: and in this way the guitarist
demonstrates a poetic touch which transcends mere musical execution and implies a much greater artistic scope,
meriting his inclusion among the great musicians of our time.
2014 FILIPPO MICHELANGELI EDITORE

Translated by Translated.net Agency