"Martha Masters disc entitled Serenade, is a charming collection of music that clearly shows why she has gained the recognition she has: the performances display a love and understanding of the music that gives each a distinct character and really allows the pieces to communicate directly with the listener. So often we arc listening to a performers "version" of a piece, something loosely defended as "interpretation" - for me that should mean getting to the root of a piece, understanding it and allowing it to speak, and Masters does that well. The opening Bach Prelude, Fugue and Allegro is an excellent beginning, the music's balance of fluidity and forward energy executed precisely here, capturing, for me at least, some of what your makes Bach such a giant among composers. Even the distinction between Sor, Mertz and Coste is clear to me in these performances, and these three are often thrown into the same barrel with a sweeping "oh, those 19th Century guys." Not so for Masters; the wit of Sor, the slightly reserved virtuosity of Mertz, and the rich Romanticism of Coste is allowed to breathe through her performances. Three pieces from the 20th Century are included, Tiempo Antiguo, one of Rodrigo's less well known solo pieces, is tossed off with the necessary brooding and understated passion. Andrew York's Muir Woods is lighter music that I am inclined to enjoy, but this performance does not try to afford the piece any unwarranted gravity, according its melancholy mood an appropriate treatment. Also represented here is Bryan Johanson, one of my favorite composers, and here it's one of my favorite pieces of his Variations on a Finnish Folksong. It's a wonderfully subtle piece in its use of color and accent, and Masters is right on the money with this one. A great conclusion to a really engaging and enjoyable disc."

- Disc Doctor, Seattle Classic Guitar Society


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