This issue is the first result of a collaboration between the International Barrios Guitar Competition and Brilliant Classics. 2011 First Prize winner Elise Neumann presents a fine recital of solo guitar works, spanning a period from the 1920s to the 1960s, featuring (of course) works by Barrios, and works by Spanish and Italian composers Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Ponce and Asencio, filled with golden Mediteranian light and colour.

This is a must for guitar aficionados, and those who appreciate an attractive and excellently played guitar recital.

Agustín Barrios, born in Paraguay in 1885, was one of the greatest figures in the history of guitar music, a virtuoso performer and composer, and the first artist to record music for the guitar. His own compositions were infused with the melodies, rhythms and folk tunes of his Latin-American homeland, and so intuitively suited to the instrument that he gained a reputation as the Chopin of guitar music.

Awarded in honour of this illustrious musician, the Agustín Barrios International Guitar Competition has run since 2004, with the aim of promoting and supporting talented guitarists; the first-prize winner in 2011 was Elise Neumann, and this exciting new CD is her first solo recording.

Elise Neumann’s talent as a performer and deep appreciation of this elegant, colourful and creative repertoire can be heard throughout the recording, highlighting the qualities that impressed the juries of the Agustín Barrios International Guitar Competition. Enthusiasts of guitar music should make it a priority to add this disc to their collections, as Elise Neumann is sure to a star of guitar music in the future.