Mosaic Classical Guitar Favourites Michael Kolk

• 1 Rumores De La Caleta 04:07
• 2 Variations Sur Les Folies D'espagne 04:45
• 3 Prelude Fugue and Allegro BWV 998 Prelude 02:55
• 4 Prelude Fugue and Allegro BWV 998 Fugue 06:30
• 5 Prelude Fugue and Allegro BWV 998 Allegro 02:20
• 6 La Catedral I Preludio Saudade 02:17
• 7 La Catedral II Andante Religioso 01:51
• 8 La Catedral III Allegro Solemne 03:13
• 9 Endecha 01:12
• 10 Oremus 01:17
• 11 Granada 05:23
• 12 Prelude No.2 03:06
• 13 Prelude No.5 03:42
• 14 Un Dia De Noviembre 04:32
• 15 Prelude No.5 in E Major 01:51
• 16 Danza Caracteristica 02:03
• 17 La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin 02:54
• 18 Danseuses De Delphes 02:49
• 19 Lagrima 01:53
• Total Runtime 58:40

Info for Mosaic Classical Guitar Favourites

The highly anticipated release of Mosaic: Classical Guitar Favourites, from classical guitarist Michael Kolk confirms that his serious potential as a musician combining masterful technique and superb musical instincts is now fully realized.

The album contains a nice variety of different eras and genres. Michael works his finger-fueled magic on pieces from composers ranging from Bach to Debussy to Villa-Lobos and the Spanish composers for whom he has special affection, such as Isaac Albeniz, whose classic compositions Rumores de la Caleta and Granada are reprised reverently here, as well as a couple of pieces that are not normally heard on the guitar.

Bach has long been a key component in Kolk's repertoire. 'He is a staple of the classical guitar,' Michael explains. 'Bach is one of those composers where as guitarists we try to prove ourselves worthy to play his music. His compositions are so masterful, and you just try to do them justice.'

Kolk’s sense of musical adventure is showcased on the gorgeous Debussy piano preludes, The Girl With The Flaxen Hair and Danseuses de Delphes. 'I find it is very exciting to play Debussy on the guitar. They are piano pieces but the guitar really lends a new kind of sound palette,” he notes.

Capturing the beautiful subtleties of Kolk's effortlessly fluent and graceful playing was the acclaimed team of producer Peter Cardinali and engineer John 'Beetle' Bailey. They set up shop in the famed Toronto venue The Glenn Gould Studio, a space noted for its superb acoustics. 'It was so quiet it was almost alarming at first. Every nuance comes out, and I really enjoyed playing there,” says Michael.

„Kolk is one of my favourite guitarists working today and this is one of the best quality recordings I’ve reviewed thus far. With a refined and sensitive touch on the instrument and no shortage of virtuosity, Kolk charms and excites any listener. General audiences will love the album for its accessible musical selections and professionals for its beautiful recording quality and Kolk’s musicality. You probably suspect I’m buttering him up for something but really he is a great player, take a listen. One more: Michael Kolk is one of Canada’s finest musicians and will continue to gain the same reputation worldwide.“ (Bradford Werner, thisisclassicalguitar.com)

Michael Kolk, guitar

Michael Kolk
has performed at music festivals and concert halls throughout Europe and North America and has been called "one of the most musical guitarists performing and recording today" (This is Classical Guitar). Liona Boyd has described him as "one of the most brilliant and expressive classical guitarists I have heard in my life".

A winner of numerous guitar competitions, he has released two solo albums to date, as well as two albums as part of the Henderson-Kolk Guitar Duo. Michael has collaborated with musicians in both classical and popular genres and made his orchestral debut as soloist with the Toronto Philharmonia.

His most recent solo album, Mosaic, released by Alma Records in February 2014, was praised as "playing and musicianship of the highest order" by Whole Note Magazine. Originally from Vancouver, Michael currently lives and teaches in Toronto. He holds a Performer's ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and a Master's Degree in Guitar Performance from the University of Toronto where he studied with Jeffrey McFadden.

Booklet for Mosaic Classical Guitar Favourites