Written as a 'tribute to Japanese people', and in particular a Japanese friend of the composer, this is a three-movement, highly melodic set with a slight flavor of the East but I wouldn't say a strong Oriental one. The opening preludio solenne is a melancholy affair and holds the interest well enough to make one want to progress further into the book. The mood continues with the rather poignant adagio nostalgico, a beautiful melodic work which has shades here and there of the style of Morricone's music. The set concludes with an allegro espressivo, yet another tuneful ditty written entirely in tremolo, which rather raises the level of difficulty from around grade 4 up a few notches depending on how fast one can perform this technique. Altogether a very likable little set, and an absolute perfect candidate for the informal concert, background restaurant music, etc. Recommended.
Steve Marsh (Classical Guitar Magazine)
