Conceptually, Jürgen Ruck's 2005 MDG Scene collection of contemporary capriccios for guitar is quite clever, and his project of commissioning new pieces based on Francisco Goya's 1799 etchings, Los Caprichos, is a strikingly original idea. However, as a practical matter for most listeners, it may be too difficult to discern the connections between these pieces, which are often quite abstract and angular, and their associated images, which are subtle, complex, and not easily conveyed in music. Even with a copy of Goya's darkly satirical work in hand (only 14 images are reproduced in the liner notes), one can match up the pictures with the pieces they inspired, but still come away with the feeling that there are limits in portraying them musically, except in a vaguely allusive or subjective manner. But this album's refreshing mix of interpretations makes it appealing, and Ruck's acceptance of many approaches seems evenhanded and generous, especially with 13 composers involved. Most of their pieces are short character sketches, usually under five minutes, so no one style wears out its welcome; and this CD's 65 minutes cover a rather wide range between traditional expressions and experimental techniques. Ruck's flexibility with his instrument allows him to play convincingly and with feeling, whether he executes daunting microtonal passages, intricate cross-rhythms, and violent percussive strumming, or sustains a quiet mood with spare chords and soft harmonics. So this disc is an interesting collection of adventurous guitar pieces that is varied enough to sustain interest and quirky enough to make one anticipate the next volume in Ruck's projected series. MDG's sound quality is resonant and lifelike, though a little hazy in the softest passages.
© TiVo