"This is music to send you skyward..." Doug Levy, Art Voice, Buffalo NY
In selecting the music for this recording, I have mixed well-known favorites for the guitar with lesser-known works of equal appeal. The "E major" Suite by Bach, a standard, is paired with a Sonata written at almost the same time in Mexico by Santiago de Murcia. The Sonatina by Torroba and works by Barrios are balanced with two energetic Etudes by Brazilian Radamés Gnattali. It gives me great pleasure to share the joy and exuberance of this music with you.
- Michael Cedric Smith
CELEBRATIONS
1. Toccata in the form of the Samba, Radames Gnattali
2. Etude I, Radames Gnattali
3. Vals, Op. 8, no. 4, Agustin Barrios Mangore
4. Julia Florida - Barcarloa, Agustin Barrios Mangore
5. - 7. Sonatina I, II, III, F. Moreno Torroba
8. Allegro, Santiago de Murcia
9. Largo, Santiago de Murcia
10. Allegro, Santiago de Murcia
11. - 15. Suite, BWV 1006a in E major, Johann Sebastian Bach
Prelude
Loure
Gavotte
Minuets I & II
Bouree
Gigue
"...Michael Cedric Smith’s Celebrations is an affirmation of sanity in a world of storm-tossed tides. No listener will be brooding, dreading the next sunrise after this album concludes. If you have a willing significant other nearby, I recommend you give each other the most affectionate wet kiss you can deliver after the gigue concludes. For those so blessed, LIFE is celebration. Make the most of it. And buy this CD. "
Job Conger, Springfield Classical Guitar Society.
