THE MUSIC, THE PERFORMER AND HIS INTERPRETATION

The case of the Spanish vihuela de mano is quite unique in the history of music. It enjoyed an ephemeral existence, if compared with the lute, and originated a small but most interesting repertoire of the highest quality. Only three historical instruments appear to have arrived to our times, although we cannot be totally sure that any of them can be considered a real vihuela, or at least the kind of vihuela normally used in Spain during the 16th century. The substantial booklet of 82 pages and abundant illustrations that accompanies this recording provides a fascinating insight on the history, development and decline of the instrument, incorporating the results of the latest musicological and organological research. It is divided in two essays, one devoted to the instrument, its history and repertoire, and another one that analyses the biographies and output of the composers included in the CD. The performer is Juan Carlos Rivera, considered to be the best vihuelist of our time. He is gifted with a sensitive and clear touch to which we must add his musicality, phrasing and secure technique, that makes him a unique figure of the historical plucked strings instruments in our time. The natural, exquisite and pure sound of the most Spanish of all instruments can be heard in this marvellous recording, that includes a great number of masterpieces by the best composers of the 16th century, among them the first recording with vihuela of pieces of Francesco da Milano.

Juan Carlos Rivera, vihuela de mano

Booklet of 82 pages in Spanish, English and French, richly illustrated, including two long essays on the history and development of the vihuela, and a full annotation of the music and the biographies of the composers recorded here.