KRZYSZTOF PELECH PLAYS JORGE MOREL - Classical Guitar vol. 13, No. 9 Guitar Masters GMR 102-94 CD.

Every now and again, a recording arrives which can only be described as a masterpiece. Krzysztof Pelech plays Jorge Morel is one such recording - a unique meeting of the spirits in which one of the guitar finest contemporary composers entrusts his previous manuscripts to a young performer whose technical brilliance and interpretional maturity make him the ideal man for the job. Not that Morel's role is an entirely passive one towards the end of the proceedings, he joins Pelech for a re-working of Bossa in Re and the nine minute Fantasia de in Danza. Also on the team is Pelech's compatriot Jarema Klich, who makes a cameo apperance in a stylish two-guitar setting of the evergreen Danza Brasiliera.

This is, however, an essentially solo offering in which Pelech playsalone on fourteen out of seventeen tracks. All the favourities are here, including Romance Criollo, Danza in E minor and Zambeando. Also present are the solo variations of Bossa in Re and Danza Brasiliera, the latter preceded by the charming Prelude from Suite del Sur. There also a few rarities such Francesca's Waltz - an elegant example of Morel's maestry of the modern jazz idiom. The only department not represented is Morel's arrangements - a possible target area for a future release.

Pelech's performance is without blemish. Not a single note is missed and his interpretations are perceptive, refined and compellingly rhythmic. There is also a pleasing sense of spontaneity - Danza Brasiliera is particualr contains a number of embellishments to the published edition, notably in the final recapitulation. Credit must also go to sound engineer Jerzy Rezler, who has captured the warmth and clarity of Pelech's sound in a manner which leaves nothing to be desired.

Superb in all respects Krzysztof Pelech plays Jorge Morel is essential listening for browsers and connoisseurs alike.

Paul Fowles.

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