Albinez - Iberia - Trio Campanella.

Naxos Guitar Collection: DDD 8.557064

Born in Catalonia, Northern Spain, Albeniz first performed in public at the age of four.

The turning point in his life was a meeting with Felipe Pedrell, who firmly believed that Spaniards should write Spanish music.

Suite Iberia was originally written for the piano and is in 12 movements.

However, it is not a new idea to play Albinez' music on guitar - in fact it almost cries out to be played on the instrument and this composition was transcribed by Christophe Dejour for three guitars in 1995.

This remarkably traditionally themed work is full of Spanish brava and the rhythms are colourful and dazzling.

Close your eyes and you could be in a small cantina listening intently.

I particularly liked Rondena and cannot perceive it being played on the piano - the guitar seems so natural for it.

Triana takes its name from a quarter of the city of Seville and is full of imagery.

Trio Campanella is a Scandinavian guitar ensemble.

Founded in 1997 it has worked hard to develop a repertoire for three guitars. This recording and performances of this work have been received with amazement by afficionados of Albinez' work.

I'm happy to join those listeners; it really is a great recording.