Baroque Images

Album Description

Stefano Grondona's captivating album, Baroque Images, is a masterful collection of rearranged Baroque pieces for the guitar. Released on 4 October 2002 by Stradivarius, this hour-long album is a testament to Grondona's skill and dedication to his craft.

The album features an array of stunning arrangements, including Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow's Tombeau fait à Paris sur la mort de Monsieur Blancheroche, and Johann Sebastian Bach's Cello Suite No. 4 in E-Flat Major, BWV 1010. Grondona's interpretation of Bach's iconic suite is particularly noteworthy, with each movement - from the Prelude to the Gigue - showcasing his technical prowess and expressive playing style.

In addition to Bach's works, the album also includes arrangements of suites by other Baroque composers, as well as Domenico Scarlatti's Keyboard Sonatas in G Major and A Minor. Grondona's ability to adapt these pieces for the guitar is a true highlight of the album, demonstrating his deep understanding of the music and his instrument.

Throughout Baroque Images, Stefano Grondona's passion for the Baroque era shines through, and his playing is characterised by a sense of elegance and refinement. This album is a must-listen for fans of Baroque music and the guitar, offering a unique and captivating listening experience that showcases Grondona's exceptional artistry.

October 4, 2002

2002 Stradivarius

About Stefano Grondona

Stefano Grondona, born in 1958 in Genoa, Italy, is a renowned classical guitarist whose career is marked by a deep commitment to the art of guitar playing and historical music. Grondona's journey began under the tutelage of legendary guitarists such as Andrés Segovia, Sergio Notaro, and Oscar Ghiglia, and he further honed his skills through masterclasses with Julian Bream. In 2002, he founded the guitar ensemble Nova Lira Orfeo XXI, inspired by the Barcelona music society Lira Orfeo, which was established by Miguel Llobet. This ensemble reflects Grondona's dedication to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of classical guitar music.

Grondona's discography is extensive and diverse, showcasing his mastery of the instrument and his passion for historical guitars. His album "La guitarra ancestral" is a testament to his exploration of the guitar's ancestral sounds, featuring performances on a variety of historical instruments. Beyond his solo work, Grondona has collaborated on notable projects, including the book "La Chitarra di Liuteria - Masterpieces of Guitar Making" with Luca Waldner.

As a professor of guitar at the Conservatorio di Vicenza, Grondona has inspired countless students with his teaching and performances. His international tours and masterclasses have taken him to prestigious institutions around the world, earning him recognition and accolades, including the Creu de Sant Jordi from the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Cavaliere dell'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana. Grondona's contributions to the world of classical guitar are celebrated not just for his technical prowess but also for his deep respect for the instrument's history and his innovative approach to its repertoire.