Capricho Arabe - Christopher Parkening

Capricho Árabe (Francisco Tárrega) played by Christopher Parkening from the album In the Spanish style, 1986

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Capricho Arabe
• Christopher Parkening
• Francisco Tarrega

[5stringofFernandoSor]

Probably the finest classical guitarist since Segovia. Nobody can make a guitar sound as soft and sweet as Parkening.

[Finko00]

I think this is Parkening's best work- or maybe I just like it because it really is in the Spanish style. To me, very moving- he plays this whole album with passion and skill. Maybe passion is more evident here- whatever, I think he really nailed this album. And, it was quite a while ago- but it is one of my faves of all time- of any music.

[uncjim]

I've heard them all. This is by far my favorite interpretation of this timeless piece. Everything, the phrasing, articulation and above all, the depth of spirit that the young Parkening displayed here is simply unsurpassed. I used to listen to this back in the mid-1970s when I took up the classical guitar. After hearing it again, nothing has changed for me. I love it.

[MrArdelco1970]

What a Soft playing! 

[ipoodaily]

@poupee58 shut up

[MBledzephed]

This is one of Parkening's best recordings. His tone is exceptionally warm and plays this piece with a very "pastoral" vibe, a great contrast to Bream's more aggressive take on this piece. If you like this you may also like my performance!

[Hermeterec]

from Jose, again......I humbly submit tis further comment on Mr. Parkening's play in the spirit of explication. I did not mean to imply that Mr. Parkening's interpretations are colorless or lacking in any way, I was simply offering an impression, a preference if you will. Chris Parkening is a great player, to be sure, but I like to listen to players who offer a different perspective sometimes, a subtle twist on what we have come to expect. Listen to Angel and Pepe Romero to see what I mean!

[UTubist512]

@Hermeterec Interesting commentary- thanks.

[Hermeterec]

from Jose Sepulveda....My dear 5stringofFernandoSor; Surely you mean JOHN Williams and not Mason! Please tell me you do because although Mason Williams was entertaining and personable he does not come from the same universe as such titans as JOHN Williams and Julian Bream and Pepe Romero. No offense intended , but you should lay off the Classical Gas.

[Hermeterec]

from Jose Sepulveda.....It really seems to me that Chris Parkening NEVER makes a mistake. I can certainly hear the Segovia influence in his playing but in some ways he is better (oh my goodness! Sacrelige!), at least to my ear. My only criticism of his playing is that he always seems to "play it safe", never daring totake a chance or create like Angel Romero does. But then Angel was , alas, never a student of Segovia's.

[utcaveman]

Great stuff...