This is one of those Naxos recordings that measures up to—if not surpasses—competitor versions produced by the major labels. Canadian Norbert Kraft is an excellent guitarist and the fine recording captures his flawless performance. Add to that the wonderful support of the Northern Chamber Orchestra, which is perfectly balanced with the soloist, and you have a first rate disc.

Another big plus about this disc is that rather than pair Rodrigo’s most famous work with his “Fantasia para une Gentilhombre”, as is the norm and had been done countless times, Naxos gives us two other less frequently heard guitar concertos: those of Villa-Lobos and Castelnuovo-Tedesco. Both are wonderful works and are sure to please any fan of guitar music…

On Naxos a first-class version of this slight but attractive concerto, which is well suited by the relatively intimate scale of the performance. The recording is well balanced and vivid, and the soloist, Norbert Kraft, has plenty of personality; and the accompaniment is fresh and polished. Typically excellent Naxos value.

An excellent account from Norbert Kraft, spontaneous and catching well the music’s colour atmosphere. If it is not quite as individual as bream’s version, it is has the advantage of vivid, well-balanced, modern, digital recording and excellent couplings. Another genuine Naxos bargain.