Re Matthew McAllister of Maelasta

Kirkmahoe News has received information of Matthew's latest and MOST BEAUTIFUL solo guitar album, a taster of which is below. If you have a problem accessing the Natural Studio link to order a copy try  http://www.naturalstudio.co.uk/records which should take you to Matthew's album. (product ID 10309)

You can also learn more about Matthew on
http://www.matthewmcallister.com/

The following is information direct from Matthew.

Dear friends & colleagues,

A little announcement about my latest solo album which was recently released on Natural Studio Records.

"This recording is a pairing of two works by composers whose styles would appear at first glance to be in sharp contrast. Despite two centuries separating their composition, Johann Sebastian Bach's Suite No.1 ( BWV 1007) and Leo Brouwer's Suite No.2 share distinct similarities." ...continued in the liner notes of Bach & Brouwer.

Watch a short film documenting the making of Bach & Brouwer. The film contains behind the scenes recording footage on location in the Cathedral of the Isles and an interview about the recording process and the concept behind the album.



You can listen to clips, have a look at the beautiful artwork and order a copy of Bach & Brouwer here:

http://www.naturalstudio.co.uk/records/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=10309

I hope you are inspired to add this recording to your collection. I wanted to offer a different style of recording to audiences and a recording which contrasts the majority of releases. There are many albums that serve as large collections of shorter pieces, which although performed on guitar have no real connection to each other, this can lead to a 'bitty' listening experience. Bach & Brouwer is an album which forms a larger musical and expressive gesture which I hope encourages the listener to delve deeper into the music.

Here is a very recent review of the album:

"The classically-minded listener is in for a real treat with Matthew McAllister's "Bach & Brouwer," which cleverly juxtaposes the very well-known J.S. Bach "Suite No. 1" with a lesser-known work, "Suite No. 2" by Leo Brouwer (b. 1939). The works, though separated by centuries, share interesting similarities in structure and harmony, and seem an absolutely natural pairing. The same musical sensitivity which likely led McAllister to couple the Suites is equally present in his playing. For example, it is easy to tell that McAllister truly savors Bach's slow Sarabande -- here, as throughout the entire work, he pays careful attention not only to the notes and ornaments, but also the space in between: a consideration that is so vital to an effective and affecting performance of Baroque music, but so often forgotten. The somewhat lighter Brouwer Suite is delightfully and deftly performed, while McAllister's final selection, Brouwer's "Canción de Cuna," is a dynamic and affecting capstone to the album." © Ryan Fark

Enjoy!

Best wishes,

Matthew

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