Cuba!: Emanuel Barrueco

Classical guitarist Manuel Barrueco turns in one fine performance after another on this disc of Cuban guitar music. Dedicated by the guitarist to the modern-day plight of the Cuban people, the CD begins with three selections by perhaps the most famous of Cuban composers, Ernesto Lecuona. Even those not familiar with this repertoire will recognize "A la Antigua," which is lovingly played and transcribed by Barrueco.
Two selections by one of Cuba's most important contemporary composers, Leo Brouwer, are heard on this recording. Both compositions possess a great understanding of the guitar, which is due to the fact that Brouwer is also a fine guitarist. Barrueco plays with much regard for the music while personalizing each phrase.
Also of great interest are the 'Cantos Yoruba de Cuba,' a set of nine pieces by another contemporary Cuban composer, Hector Angulo. Based on melodies attributed to the Yorubans, Nigerian slaves who came to Cuba, the settings by Angulo are thinned-out texturally to provide the listener with easy access to their beautiful, simple melodies, without their customary complex rhythms. There certainly is no better guitarist than Barrueco to capture every curve and corner of each little jewel of a composition.