Victor Villadangos - Guitar Music Of Argentina (2002)

This is Victor Villadangos’s first recording for Naxos and I hope it is not the last as we are treated to some beautifully clear articulated playing that extracts just the right nuances from this music of the Argentine.
Most of the pieces are new to me, although I am familiar with the "Serie Americana" of Hector Ayala, firstly through an early vinyl recording by Narciso Yepes and recently on CD by Eleftheria Kotzia. This rendition by Victor Villadangos, with its firm rhythms and fine clarity, is, I feel, the superior version.
I well remember Jason Vieaux’s playing three of Pujol’s "Cinco Preludios" (Naxos 8.553449), which was the first time I encountered the name of Máximo Diego Pujol, and thinking what striking music it was. I was not surprised to learn that he has won a number of competitions for composition. With his pieces on this disc he can only justify that status. However, the two composers that I have mentioned do not stand alone here. All the music is of the highest standard and if you enjoy the music of South America and that of Argentina in particular this disc is for you. A bargain at twice the price. -- Andy Daly