Sharon Isbin, the acclaimed guitarist, presents her latest masterpiece, "Heartstrings," a captivating journey through a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary pieces. Released on July 6, 2025, under Warner Classics, this album is a testament to Isbin's virtuosity and versatility, spanning nearly three hours of enchanting music.
"Heartstrings" is a meticulously curated collection of 61 tracks, showcasing Isbin's profound connection with the guitar. The album opens with the vibrant "Montaña: Suite Colombiana No. 2: IV. Porro" and takes the audience on a musical voyage through compositions by renowned composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, Rodrigo, and many more. Each piece is a gem, carefully selected to highlight Isbin's technical prowess and emotional depth.
The album features a delightful mix of well-known classics and hidden treasures. From the delicate "Londonderry Air" to the energetic "Asturias (Leyenda)" by Albéniz, and the soothing "Adagio in G Minor" by Albinoni, Isbin's interpretations breathe new life into these timeless works. The inclusion of contemporary pieces like "Nocturnal after John Dowland" by Britten adds a modern touch, demonstrating Isbin's ability to transcend musical eras.
"Heartstrings" is not just an album; it's an experience. Isbin's playing is characterized by its clarity, precision, and expressive range, making each note resonate with the listener. Whether it's the intricate fingerwork in "La catedral" by Barrios Mangoré or the haunting beauty of "I Wonder as I Wander" by Niles, Isbin's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing.
The album also includes several world premieres and exclusive arrangements, showcasing Isbin's collaborative spirit and innovative approach to the guitar repertoire. Her renditions of pieces like "Historia do luar" by Almeida and "Floresta do Amazonas" by Villa-Lobos are particularly noteworthy, offering fresh perspectives on these beloved compositions.
Sharon Isbin's "Heartstrings" is a celebration of the guitar's rich heritage and its endless possibilities. With its diverse selection of pieces and Isbin's masterful playing, this album is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and guitar aficionados alike. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty and brilliance of "Heartstrings," a true testament to the power of music and the artistry of Sharon Isbin.
Bach, JS: Suite in E Minor, BWV 996: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Sharon Isbin
Bach, JS: Suite in E Minor, BWV 996: II. AllemandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Sharon Isbin
Bach, JS: Suite in E Minor, BWV 996: III. CouranteJohann Sebastian Bach, Sharon Isbin
Bach, JS: Suite in E Minor, BWV 996: IV. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Sharon Isbin
Bach, JS: Suite in E Minor, BWV 996: V. BourréeJohann Sebastian Bach, Sharon Isbin
Bach, JS: Suite in E Minor, BWV 996: VI. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Sharon Isbin
Sainz de la Maza: ZapateadoRegino Sáinz de la Maza, Sharon Isbin
Bonfá: Manhã de carnavalLuiz Bonfá, Benita Valente, Sharon Isbin
Duarte: English Suite, Op. 31: II. Folk SongJohn W. Duarte, Sharon Isbin
Rodrigo: Fantasía para un gentilhombre: V. CanarioJoaquín Rodrigo, Sharon Isbin, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Lawrence Foster
Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto in D Major, RV 93: II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Sharon Isbin, Lawrence Foster, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne
Brouwer: 2 Temas Populares Cubanos: No. 1, Canción de cunaLeo Brouwer, Sharon Isbin, Thiago de Mello
Barrios Mangoré: La catedral: II. Andante religiosoAgustín Barrios Mangoré, Sharon Isbin
Jobim: Road to the SunAntônio Carlos Jobim, Sharon Isbin
Ruiz-Pipó: Canción y Danza No. 1: CanciónAntonio Ruiz Pipó, Sharon Isbin
Ruiz-Pipó: Canción y Danza No. 1: DanzaAntonio Ruiz Pipó, Sharon Isbin
Behrend: Bergerettes, 6 chants populaires français du XVIIIe siècle: No. 4, Que ne suis-je la fougère !Siegfried Behrend, Sharon Isbin, Susanne Mentzer
Gismonti: Agua e vinho (Arr. Wolff for Guitar)Egberto Gismonti, Sharon Isbin
Madriguera: AdiósEnric Madriguera, Benita Valente, Sharon Isbin, Thiago de Mello
Duarte: Appalachian Dreams, Op. 121: I. Fantasia. Katy Cruel - Shady Grove - The Foggy, Foggy DewJohn W. Duarte, Sharon Isbin
Duarte: Appalachian Dreams, Op. 121: II. Black Is the Color of My True Love's HairJohn W. Duarte, Sharon Isbin
Duarte: Appalachian Dreams, Op. 121: III. Darling CoraJohn W. Duarte, Sharon Isbin
Duarte: Appalachian Dreams, Op. 121: IV. Putney HymnJohn W. Duarte, Sharon Isbin
Duarte: Appalachian Dreams, Op. 121: V. Finale. O'Brien's Jig - Red-Haired Boy - Planxty George BrabazonJohn W. Duarte, Sharon Isbin
Albéniz: Suite española No. 1, Op. 47: V. Asturias "Leyenda" (Arr. Segovia for Guitar)Isaac Albéniz, Sharon Isbin
Albinoni: Adagio in G Minor (Arr. Duarte for Guitar and Orchestra)Remo Giazotto, Tomaso Albinoni, Sharon Isbin, Howard Griffiths, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Villa-Lobos: Floresta do Amazonas, W551: Melodia sentimental (Arr. Barbosa-Lima for Guitar)Heitor Villa-Lobos, Sharon Isbin
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez: II. AdagioJoaquín Rodrigo, Sharon Isbin, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Lawrence Foster
Niles: I Wonder as I WanderJohn Jacob Niles, Benita Valente, Sharon Isbin
Foster: Jeanie with the Light Brown HairStephen Foster, Thomas Allen, Sharon Isbin
Schubert: Wiegenlied, Op. 98 No. 2, D. 498Franz Schubert, Thomas Allen, Sharon Isbin
Ginastera: 2 Canciones, Op. 3: No. 2, Canción al árbol del olvidoAlberto Ginastera, Benita Valente, Sharon Isbin