Norbert Kraft's 1989 release, "Tippett, Britten & Schafer: Works For Guitar," is a captivating exploration of 20th-century classical music for the guitar. This album, released under the Chandos label, features Kraft's masterful interpretations of works by three prominent composers: Michael Tippett, Benjamin Britten, and R. Murray Schafer.
The album begins with Tippett's "The Blue Guitar," a three-movement suite that showcases Kraft's technical prowess and expressive depth. The piece transitions from a medium slow tempo in the first movement to a fast, intricate finale. Britten's "Nocturnal," inspired by John Dowland's lute music, follows. This six-movement work is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of night and dreams, with Kraft navigating the piece's complex rhythms and harmonies with ease. The album concludes with Schafer's "Le Cri de Merlin," a six-movement suite that draws inspiration from Arthurian legend. Kraft's performance is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the piece's dramatic shifts in mood and tempo.
Throughout the album, Kraft's playing is characterized by a remarkable sensitivity to the music's emotional and intellectual depth. His interpretations are both technically impressive and deeply moving, making this album a standout in the classical guitar repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Norbert Kraft's "Tippett, Britten & Schafer: Works For Guitar" is sure to captivate and inspire.
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