Gabriel Bianco - A. Barrios: La Catedral

This is probably the most famous work of Barrios, and it has clear marks of religiousness or spirituality. Supposedly, Barrios wrote this piece based on an experience he had when once entering the San José Cathedral in Montevideo. The first movement, Prelude, was actually written 19 years after he wrote the following two movements - Andante religioso and Allegro Solemne. The Prelude, besides its spirituality, also conveys the imitation of piano as it uses high tone melody and broad arpeggiated chords. Andante religioso imitates a church organist playing Bach, and Allegro solemne conveys Barrios overwhelmed by chaos of the streets of Montevideo as he exits the quiet, spiritual cathedral. In all, a deep and emotional piece of music, which is probably why people endear it so much.

Gabriel Bianco
Guitar: 2006 Greg Smallman, Australia

[anatolyFedotov]

Фантастика ! С ума сойти ! Браво !

[Varvitski]

Upon my word, this so very wonderful! Gabriel Bianco's interpretion here of this beautiful piece has rendered me awestruck. There are such inventive yet sensitively executed nuances he brings to it like no other performer that it's as if he has made this great and much loved compostion his own.

[elliecollis]

Such a very beautiful piece of music played with so much brilliance and expertise.