[If you want your recording listed here, please send a review copy to
Rob MacKillop, Musician In Residence, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK]
Valderrábano - Silva de Sirenas, performed by Armonisi Concerti: Carlos Mena, countertenor voice, Juan Carlos Rivera (vihuelas in G and A), Consuelo Navas (A and B and Vandola), Juan Miguel Nieto (E and G). Harmonia Mundi HMI 987059
Comments: One of the most beautiful vihuela-related recordings in my collection, not least because of the superlative singing of Carlos Mena. Valderrábano's songs are superb, equal to the more famous songs of Milan and Narvaez. The vihuela duets in unison or at different pitches are unique in the vihuela canon, and the versions recorded here are exemplary. The solo fantasias and sonetos contain some of the composer's finest writing, and, as with the songs, deserve to be heard alongside the solo works of Valderrábano's more famous colleagues. A single-composer recording this may be, but there is enough variety to keep one's ear tuned in, with moments of great delight.
The online record company, Magnatune, have a few very important vihuela recordings. Magnatune allow you to listen to the whole disc before buying.
Fantasias 1 to 12 played by Edward Martin
Edward Martin is a dear cyber friend, a great musician and an inspirational vihuelist. It is this recording of the first twelve fantasias by Milan which prompted me to buy a vihuela. The above link takes you to the Magnatune website, where you can listen to all twelve tracks and purchase the CD. The vihuela on this recording was made by Dan Larson. See Luthiers page.
Duets recorded by Duo Chambure
Valderábbano's wonderful vihuela duets performed by Edward Martin and Phillip Rukavina on new Chambure-style vihuelas at different pitches.
Luis Milan El Maestro by Catherine King and Jacob Heringman
Milan wrote some of the finest vihuela songs - beautiful melodies and interesting accompaniments. Heringman performs some solo pavans and fantasias. The whole recording has a quiet serenity to it, introspective but assured.
Alonso Mudarra Songs and Solos by Catherine King and Jacob Heringman
Catherine King seems very much at home with these beautiful vihuela songs. Again, Heringman performs the solo items in his characteristic quiet way, and includes the Romanesca setting for 4c guitar.