Alexander-Sergei Ramirez- CDs

Discographie

Ramirez on: DENON &

New CD

„Guitarra Clásica del Perú“

Pedro Ximenez: 23 Minuets. Anonymous:Andante in E minor; Rondo in G; 8 Minuets; Largo in B minor; Fandango; Toccata.

Alexander-Sergei Ramirez (guitar)

AvI Music 8553316

CD Review: Gorgeous Guitar Music from Unlikely Sources

January 21, 2015

The little-known composer Pedro Ximenez de Abrill produced hundreds of pieces of music during the first half of the 19th century, both in his native Peru and in neighboring Bolivia.

Most of his output didn’t make it out of South America, though some of his minuets for guitar turned up in Europe and found their way into the repertoire of a handful of popular players, particularly in Italy. (It has been suggested that Andres Segovia knew of the Ximenez guitar music, but he doesn’t appear to have played it in public if he did.) Only recently was a cache of Ximenez’s music discovered in Bolivia—a startling find which, over time, will no doubt add to the reputation of this talented and prolific composer. In the December 2014 issue of Classical Guitar, writer Steve Marsh raved about an exciting CD release featuring nearly a quarter of the Ximenez guitar minuets, called Guitarra Clasica Del Peru, played by Alexander-Sergei Ramirez:

In 2004, in Sucre, Bolivia, the American historian and author William L. Lofstrom was approached in the street by a man of Bolivian origin offering to sell him a vast quantity of antique hand-written music manuscripts from the pen of the Peruvian musician Pedro Ximenez de Abrill (1780-1857), an individual sometimes referred to as the “Rossini of South America” by his contemporaries. These documents, crafted on handmade rag paper and in almost pristine condition, were apparently discovered in a sizeable trunk which the man had inherited from four elderly deceased cousins. Ximenez de Abrill was a highly prolific composer who wrote psalms, masses, hymns, passions, symphonies, waltzes and sonatas—the list goes on. So important was this “find” that they now reside in the National Archives of Bolivia. You couldn’t make this story up!

Among the manuscripts were 100 minuets for solo guitar, 23 of which were chosen for this disc by Alexander-Sergei Ramirez—himself of Peruvian origin—and these have proven to be a real eye-opener, certainly for this reviewer, for without a doubt this recording contains some of the most splendidly charming pieces of guitar music from the 19th century I have come across. They are highly inventive, with strong melodic lines and musical appeal. If the minuets on this disc are representative of Ximenez de Abril’s music, then I can well see a surge in interest in his other works, as well.

The remainder of the program is of equal merit, with 13 very attractive anonymous works taken from two different collections: the Quaderno—Musica para Guitarra de Mathias Jose Maestro (1786) and Libro de Zifra (1805). Once more, these are compositions of high merit and musicality, none of them seemingly inserted into the program as simply “filler.” The absolute pinnacle of this recording has to be the Largo in B minor (from Quaderno…’), a profound, somber, strongly emotive, Weiss-like composition which is worth the price of this CD alone.

Alexander-Sergei Ramirez proves himself to be an excellent ambassador for these works, and one cannot really imagine these performances improved in any way. The recorded sound is top-class, as are the sleeve notes and well-designed packaging. A quality release from every aspect, and very highly recommended.

Die Gitarre ist „das“ klassische Soloinstrument Lateinamerikas. Und als wahre Schätze erweisen sich die Gitarrenstücke des erst vor Kurzem „wiederentdeckten“ peruanischen Komponisten Pedro Ximénez (1780 –1857). Der in Düsseldorf lebende peruanische Gitarrist Alexander-Sergei Ramirez hat Ximénez so eindringlich mit Noblesse, Feingefühl und großer Herzens-Intensität zum Leben erweckt, dass man schon nach dem ersten der insgesamt 24 „Minuets“, die 1844 in Paris erschienen, der faszinierenden Schönheit seines Spiels erliegt, und sich dann mehr als eine Stunde lang wundert über die musikalische Qualität und die lyrische Kraft dieser meist einfach gebauten, 32 Takte langen Miniaturen. Das ist das schönste, das suggestivste Gitarrenalbum seit Langem und ein weiteres empfindsames Plädoyer für die Intimität und den Zauber der klassischen Gitarre, die, wenn sie so leuchtend und perfekt gespielt wird, endlich auch in unseren Breitengraden mehr Freunde finden sollte.

Attila Csampai, Crescendo Magazine

Now available:

100 Minuetos by Pedro Ximénez de Abrill Tirado (1780-1856)

Scores of the 100 Minuetos by Pedro Ximénez de Abrill Tirado

Chanterelle Verlag im Allegra Musikverlag, Michael Macmeeken,

Edited by Alexander-Sergei Ramírez

Zimmermann Verlag

ECH 2707

ISMN: M-2047-2707-0

EAN: 9990001394653

100 Minuetos by the great composer from Perú:

Pedro Ximénez Abrill Tirado (1780, Arequipa, Perú-1856, Sucre, Bolivia)

“One of the greatest discoveries of the classical guitar repertoire in the past decades!” ORF - Austrian Radio

Further Infos: https://www.musikverlag-zimmermann.de/…/100-minuetos-fuer-gitarre solo

We proudly present the first complete modern publication of the 100 Minuets for guitar by Pedro
Ximénez de Abrill Tirado (1780, Arequipa, Peru - 1856, Sucre, Bolivia). The recently found works of
this legendary and prolific composer include, among others, 40 Symphonies, 48 Masses, 226 songs
with piano accompaniment, 50 Waltzes for piano, Chamber works, and various guitar works and in
2013 were registered with the UNESCO “Memory of the World” list. Pedro Ximénez was certainly
one of the foremost South American composers of all times. Little wonder that this contemporary
of Fernando Sor was acclaimed as “The Rossini of the Americas” These Minuets for guitar solo are
a most welcome addition to the classical guitar repertory and important contribution to the history
of the Latin American guitar history.
One of the greatest discoveries of classical guitar repertoire for several decades! ORF [Austrian Radio]

"ODYSSEY"
Ramirez on a journey discovering the beauty and power of classical guitarmusic from all over the world!
Compositions from Spain, Russia, Turkey, Japan, Australia, USA, Puerto-Rico, Perú, Cameroon…
Further info:

ODYSSEY
CD 474 208-2 - DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON
Spanien:
Joaquin Turina
                                1) Sevillana (Fantasia), op. 29

Italien/Türkei:
Carlo Domeniconi      Koyunbaba, op. 19
(Suite for Guitar)
                                2) Moderato
                                3) Mosso
                                4) Cantabile
                                5) Presto

Russland:
Nikita Koshkin
                                 6) Merlin´s Dream

Japan:
Yuquijiro Yokoh
                                  7) Variations on "Sakura"

Australien:
Phillip Houghton
                                  8) Kinkachoo, I love you

USA:
William Bland
                                   9) Rag Nouveau

Puerto Rico:
Ernesto Cordero           Tres Cantigas Negras
                                  10) Canto Negroriano
                                  11) Danza Del Cimarrón
                                  12) Elegia Negra

Venezuela:
Antonio Lauro
                                  13) Vals Venezolano No. 3

Perú:
Alejandro Nunez-Allauca
                                  14) Koribeni No. 2 (first recording)
Brasilien:
D. Reis
                                  15) Si ela perguntar

Argentinien:
Astor Piazzolla
                                   16) Verano Porteno

Kamerun:
Francis Bebey
                                    17) The magic Box

"Very rarely might one heard a more fascinating guitar-recording"
CHRISMON, Germany

" …with a virtuosity beyond all criticism and an extremly sensual tone - it was a true musical treat for every aficionado of guitar music!"
GITARREKONKRET, Germany

Played with unbelievable virtuosity, which was combined with profound musicality, and a crystalline clarity, Ramirez´s "Odyssey" is a multivision for the ears with its brilliant quality. His way of playing is dramatic and powerful. Ramirez is a free explorer among guitarists, capable of climbing without any ropes, the impenetrable peaks of great difficulty with an ease and smoothness that appears seemingly effortless.
AKUSTIK GITARRE, Germany

"confesión"
Gitarrenwerke von
Agustín Barrios Mangoré (1885-1944)

Bestellen Further info:

CD 471 532-2 - DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON
la catedral
estilo uruguayo
aire de zamba
vals, op.8,3
danza paraguaya no.1
sargento cabral (zamba)
confesíon (romanza)
preludio, op.5,1
choro da saudade
leyenda de espana
las abejas
oracion por todos
el sueno de la munequita
vals de primavera
la samaritana
mazurca apasionada
cueca (danza chilena)
villancico de navidad
una limosna por el amor de dios

"Just about the most engrossing 75 minutes I can imagine. I talk back here, with humility and shame, everything negative I ever said about this music.
I can´t describe this performance in words. You will simply have to take my word for it and get yourself a copy of this incredible recording before it disappears. Trust me, this is unique...." Matanya Ophee

LOVE MOODS
The Most Romantic Classics

2 CDs 474 802-2 - DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON
Romantic arias, songs and
instrumental classics

Bartoli · Caballé · Carreras · Domingo · Heppner · Karajan
Kožená · Maisky · von Otter · Pavarotti · Previn · Ramirez

Shaham · Sinopoli · Terfel · Yepes · a.o.

SPAIN

J. Rodrigo : Concierto de Aranjuéz

Bizet, Chueca, Giménez, de Falla

Orchester Musikkollegium Winterthur
Conductor: Jac van Steen
Guitarist: Alexander-Sergei Ramírez

"Gitarrenwerke von Fernando Sor (1778-1839)"
Op. 14, 15, 26, 28, 59 und Fantasia op. posthum

Bestellen

Denon CO-78975

"Ramirez zaubert gitarristische Farben und organisiert die Stimmverläufe ohne jegliche Aussetzer. Ein virtuoses Hörabenteuer.
STEREO, Deutschland
F. Sor
Gran Solo, Op. 14

Introduction et Variations sur l'Air "Marlborough" op..28

Fantaisie Elégiaque, Op.59

Sonata in C major, Op. 15b

Introduction et Variations sur l'Air '"Que suis-je la Fougère", Op.26

Fantasia Op. posthum

"Guitarworks by H. Villa-Lobos & A. Ginastera"
12 Etüden und 5 Preludes (Villa-Lobos) und Sonate op. 47 (Ginastera)

Bestellen

Denon CO-78931

"Es sind noch einige andere gute Aufnahmen der Ginastera Sonate erhältlich, jedoch ist keine besser als diese..."
John Duarte, Gramophone, USA
H. Villa-Lobos
12 Etüden
Nr. 1, 2, 3, 4 ,5, 6, 7, 8
     9, 10, 11, 12

5 Preludes
Nr.1, 2, 3, 4, 5

A.Ginastera
Sonata for Guitar op.47
Esordio: Solenne
Scherzo: Fantastico
Canto: Rapsodico
Final: Presto e fogoso

"Recuerdos de la Alhambra"
5 Centuries of spanish guitar classics

Bestellen

Denon CO-75715

"Spanische Schule par excellence..."
STEREO, Deutschland

J. Turina
Homenaje a Tarrega
A. Mudarra
Fantasia
L.d. Narváez
Canción del
Emperador
7 Diferencias sobre "Guardame las vacas"
G. Sanz
Canarios
Pavanas
F. Sor
Menuett
Variations on a theme of Mozart
F. Tarrega
Capricho Arabe
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Lägrima
F. Moreno-Torróba
Nocturno
I. Albéniz
Sevilla
Granada
Rumores de la Caleta

"Canciones y Danzas Espanolas"
Spanische Gitarrenmusik von I. Albéniz, F. Moreno-Torroba, J. Turina und J. Rodrigo

Bestellen

Denon CO-75357

J. Turina
Ráfaga
Sevillanas

F. Moreno-Torroba
Suite Castellana
Fandanguillo
Arada
Danza

I. Albéniz
Asturias

J. Rodrigo
Romance de Durandarte
En los Trigales
Invocación y Danza

J. Turina
Sonata
Allegro
Andante
Allegro

"...Ich kann mir keine bessere Einführung in die Wunder
dieses Repertoires vorstellen. Auf allen Ebenen: absolute
Wunschlisteneinspielung."
W. Zagorsky, FANFARE, USA

New CD „Guitarra Clásica del Perú“
	Pedro Ximenez: 23 Minuets. Anonymous:Andante in E minor; Rondo in G; 8 Minuets; Largo in B minor; Fandango; Toccata. Alexander-Sergei Ramirez (guitar)
AvI Music 8553316
	CD Review: Gorgeous Guitar Music from Unlikely Sources January 21, 2015 The little-known composer Pedro Ximenez de Abrill produced hundreds of pieces of music during the first half of the 19th century, both in his native Peru and in neighboring Bolivia. Most of his output didn’t make it out of South America, though some of his minuets for guitar turned up in Europe and found their way into the repertoire of a handful of popular players, particularly in Italy. (It has been suggested that Andres Segovia knew of the Ximenez guitar music, but he doesn’t appear to have played it in public if he did.) Only recently was a cache of Ximenez’s music discovered in Bolivia—a startling find which, over time, will no doubt add to the reputation of this talented and prolific composer. In the December 2014 issue of Classical Guitar, writer Steve Marsh raved about an exciting CD release featuring nearly a quarter of the Ximenez guitar minuets, called Guitarra Clasica Del Peru, played by Alexander-Sergei Ramirez: In 2004, in Sucre, Bolivia, the American historian and author William L. Lofstrom was approached in the street by a man of Bolivian origin offering to sell him a vast quantity of antique hand-written music manuscripts from the pen of the Peruvian musician Pedro Ximenez de Abrill (1780-1857), an individual sometimes referred to as the “Rossini of South America” by his contemporaries. These documents, crafted on handmade rag paper and in almost pristine condition, were apparently discovered in a sizeable trunk which the man had inherited from four elderly deceased cousins. Ximenez de Abrill was a highly prolific composer who wrote psalms, masses, hymns, passions, symphonies, waltzes and sonatas—the list goes on. So important was this “find” that they now reside in the National Archives of Bolivia. You couldn’t make this story up! Among the manuscripts were 100 minuets for solo guitar, 23 of which were chosen for this disc by Alexander-Sergei Ramirez—himself of Peruvian origin—and these have proven to be a real eye-opener, certainly for this reviewer, for without a doubt this recording contains some of the most splendidly charming pieces of guitar music from the 19th century I have come across. They are highly inventive, with strong melodic lines and musical appeal. If the minuets on this disc are representative of Ximenez de Abril’s music, then I can well see a surge in interest in his other works, as well. The remainder of the program is of equal merit, with 13 very attractive anonymous works taken from two different collections: the Quaderno—Musica para Guitarra de Mathias Jose Maestro (1786) and Libro de Zifra (1805). Once more, these are compositions of high merit and musicality, none of them seemingly inserted into the program as simply “filler.” The absolute pinnacle of this recording has to be the Largo in B minor (from Quaderno…’), a profound, somber, strongly emotive, Weiss-like composition which is worth the price of this CD alone. Alexander-Sergei Ramirez proves himself to be an excellent ambassador for these works, and one cannot really imagine these performances improved in any way. The recorded sound is top-class, as are the sleeve notes and well-designed packaging. A quality release from every aspect, and very highly recommended. Die Gitarre ist „das“ klassische Soloinstrument Lateinamerikas. Und als wahre Schätze erweisen sich die Gitarrenstücke des erst vor Kurzem „wiederentdeckten“ peruanischen Komponisten Pedro Ximénez (1780 –1857). Der in Düsseldorf lebende peruanische Gitarrist Alexander-Sergei Ramirez hat Ximénez so eindringlich mit Noblesse, Feingefühl und großer Herzens-Intensität zum Leben erweckt, dass man schon nach dem ersten der insgesamt 24 „Minuets“, die 1844 in Paris erschienen, der faszinierenden Schönheit seines Spiels erliegt, und sich dann mehr als eine Stunde lang wundert über die musikalische Qualität und die lyrische Kraft dieser meist einfach gebauten, 32 Takte langen Miniaturen. Das ist das schönste, das suggestivste Gitarrenalbum seit Langem und ein weiteres empfindsames Plädoyer für die Intimität und den Zauber der klassischen Gitarre, die, wenn sie so leuchtend und perfekt gespielt wird, endlich auch in unseren Breitengraden mehr Freunde finden sollte. Attila Csampai, Crescendo Magazine Now available: 100 Minuetos by Pedro Ximénez de Abrill Tirado (1780-1856) Scores of the 100 Minuetos by Pedro Ximénez de Abrill Tirado Chanterelle Verlag im Allegra Musikverlag, Michael Macmeeken, Edited by Alexander-Sergei Ramírez Zimmermann Verlag ECH 2707 ISMN: M-2047-2707-0 EAN: 9990001394653 100 Minuetos by the great composer from Perú: Pedro Ximénez Abrill Tirado (1780, Arequipa, Perú-1856, Sucre, Bolivia) “One of the greatest discoveries of the classical guitar repertoire in the past decades!” ORF - Austrian Radio Further Infos: https://www.musikverlag-zimmermann.de/…/100-minuetos-fuer-gitarre solo We proudly present the first complete modern publication of the 100 Minuets for guitar by Pedro Ximénez de Abrill Tirado (1780, Arequipa, Peru - 1856, Sucre, Bolivia). The recently found works of this legendary and prolific composer include, among others, 40 Symphonies, 48 Masses, 226 songs with piano accompaniment, 50 Waltzes for piano, Chamber works, and various guitar works and in 2013 were registered with the UNESCO “Memory of the World” list. Pedro Ximénez was certainly one of the foremost South American composers of all times. Little wonder that this contemporary of Fernando Sor was acclaimed as “The Rossini of the Americas” These Minuets for guitar solo are a most welcome addition to the classical guitar repertory and important contribution to the history of the Latin American guitar history. One of the greatest discoveries of classical guitar repertoire for several decades! ORF [Austrian Radio]
"ODYSSEY" Ramirez on a journey discovering the beauty and power of classical guitarmusic from all over the world! Compositions from Spain, Russia, Turkey, Japan, Australia, USA, Puerto-Rico, Perú, Cameroon…	Further info:
ODYSSEY CD 474 208-2 - DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON	Spanien: Joaquin Turina 1) Sevillana (Fantasia), op. 29 Italien/Türkei: Carlo Domeniconi Koyunbaba, op. 19 (Suite for Guitar) 2) Moderato 3) Mosso 4) Cantabile 5) Presto Russland: Nikita Koshkin 6) Merlin´s Dream Japan: Yuquijiro Yokoh 7) Variations on "Sakura" Australien: Phillip Houghton 8) Kinkachoo, I love you USA: William Bland 9) Rag Nouveau Puerto Rico: Ernesto Cordero Tres Cantigas Negras 10) Canto Negroriano 11) Danza Del Cimarrón 12) Elegia Negra Venezuela: Antonio Lauro 13) Vals Venezolano No. 3 Perú: Alejandro Nunez-Allauca 14) Koribeni No. 2 (first recording) Brasilien: D. Reis 15) Si ela perguntar Argentinien: Astor Piazzolla 16) Verano Porteno Kamerun: Francis Bebey 17) The magic Box
"Very rarely might one heard a more fascinating guitar-recording" CHRISMON, Germany " …with a virtuosity beyond all criticism and an extremly sensual tone - it was a true musical treat for every aficionado of guitar music!" GITARREKONKRET, Germany Played with unbelievable virtuosity, which was combined with profound musicality, and a crystalline clarity, Ramirez´s "Odyssey" is a multivision for the ears with its brilliant quality. His way of playing is dramatic and powerful. Ramirez is a free explorer among guitarists, capable of climbing without any ropes, the impenetrable peaks of great difficulty with an ease and smoothness that appears seemingly effortless. AKUSTIK GITARRE, Germany

*"confesión"* Gitarrenwerke von Agustín Barrios Mangoré (1885-1944) Bestellen	Further info:
CD 471 532-2 - DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON	la catedral estilo uruguayo aire de zamba vals, op.8,3 danza paraguaya no.1 sargento cabral (zamba) confesíon (romanza) preludio, op.5,1 choro da saudade leyenda de espana las abejas oracion por todos el sueno de la munequita vals de primavera la samaritana mazurca apasionada cueca (danza chilena) villancico de navidad una limosna por el amor de dios
"Just about the most engrossing 75 minutes I can imagine. I talk back here, with humility and shame, everything negative I ever said about this music. I can´t describe this performance in words. You will simply have to take my word for it and get yourself a copy of this incredible recording before it disappears. Trust me, this is unique...." Matanya Ophee

LOVE MOODS The Most Romantic Classics
2 CDs 474 802-2 - DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON	Romantic arias, songs and instrumental classics Bartoli · Caballé · Carreras · Domingo · Heppner · Karajan Kožená · Maisky · von Otter · Pavarotti · Previn · Ramirez Shaham · Sinopoli · Terfel · Yepes · a.o.

SPAIN
	J. Rodrigo : Concierto de Aranjuéz Bizet, Chueca, Giménez, de Falla Orchester Musikkollegium Winterthur Conductor: Jac van Steen Guitarist: Alexander-Sergei Ramírez
"Gitarrenwerke von Fernando Sor (1778-1839)" Op. 14, 15, 26, 28, 59 und Fantasia op. posthum Bestellen
Denon CO-78975 "Ramirez zaubert gitarristische Farben und organisiert die Stimmverläufe ohne jegliche Aussetzer. Ein virtuoses Hörabenteuer. STEREO, Deutschland	F. Sor Gran Solo, Op. 14 Introduction et Variations sur l'Air "Marlborough" op..28 Fantaisie Elégiaque, Op.59 Sonata in C major, Op. 15b Introduction et Variations sur l'Air '"Que suis-je la Fougère", Op.26 Fantasia Op. posthum

*"Guitarworks by H. Villa-Lobos & A. Ginastera"* 12 Etüden und 5 Preludes (Villa-Lobos) und Sonate op. 47 (Ginastera) Bestellen
Denon CO-78931 "Es sind noch einige andere gute Aufnahmen der Ginastera Sonate erhältlich, jedoch ist keine besser als diese..." John Duarte, Gramophone, USA	H. Villa-Lobos 12 Etüden Nr. 1, 2, 3, 4 ,5, 6, 7, 8 9, 10, 11, 12 5 Preludes Nr.1, 2, 3, 4, 5 A.Ginastera Sonata for Guitar op.47 Esordio: Solenne Scherzo: Fantastico Canto: Rapsodico Final: Presto e fogoso

"Recuerdos de la Alhambra" 5 Centuries of spanish guitar classics Bestellen Denon CO-75715 "Spanische Schule par excellence..." STEREO, Deutschland	J. Turina Homenaje a Tarrega A. Mudarra Fantasia L.d. Narváez Canción del Emperador 7 Diferencias sobre "Guardame las vacas" G. Sanz Canarios Pavanas F. Sor Menuett Variations on a theme of Mozart F. Tarrega Capricho Arabe Recuerdos de la Alhambra Lägrima F. Moreno-Torróba Nocturno I. Albéniz Sevilla Granada Rumores de la Caleta

*"Canciones y Danzas Espanolas"* Spanische Gitarrenmusik von I. Albéniz, F. Moreno-Torroba, J. Turina und J. Rodrigo Bestellen
Denon CO-75357	J. Turina Ráfaga Sevillanas F. Moreno-Torroba Suite Castellana Fandanguillo Arada Danza I. Albéniz Asturias J. Rodrigo Romance de Durandarte En los Trigales Invocación y Danza J. Turina Sonata Allegro Andante Allegro
"...Ich kann mir keine bessere Einführung in die Wunder dieses Repertoires vorstellen. Auf allen Ebenen: absolute Wunschlisteneinspielung." W. Zagorsky, FANFARE, USA