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Two absolutely totally essential discs

Naxos Montenegrin Guitar Duo Bach English Suites II CD Cover

David’s Review Corner, David Denton

Following on [from] the first highly acclaimed disc of Bach’s English Suites in arrangements for guitar duo from the performers of the Balkan state of Montenegro.

“As I commented when reviewing the first three Suites, they have remained true to the spirit of the original scores, with much of the writing untouched, and in essence these come closer to the sound of a harpsichord than modern piano versions.”

On the other hand the works are not unduly challenging to a keyboard performer, but for the guitar duo the fast movements require playing of virtuoso quality, and, with two performers involved—Goran Krivokapić and Danijel Cerovic—the interweaving of the parts to create Bach’s one keyboard part is fiendishly difficult, and I guess the four days of recording speaks volumes of the Montenegrin’s desire for total perfection. In addition, they play the works at tempos that we imagine Bach had in mind, so that in the Gigue finales they have the music whizzing along.

“For guitar buffs these are two absolutely totally essential discs beautifully recorded in Canada.”

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Virtuosity and bravado

Mario Kurtjak, Kitarske novice

Naxos Montenegrin Guitar Duo Bach English Suites II CD Cover
If you acquire neither, you are missing out

Fanfare, Raymond Tuttle 

Naxos Montenegrin Guitar Duo Bach English Suites II CD Cover
Warm and bright, with accuracy, agility, articulation, definition and clarity

The Whole Note, Terry Robbins

Naxos Montenegrin Guitar Duo Bach English Suites II CD Cover
Precision of ensemble, the clarity of articulation, the rhythmic vitality and the exuberant ornamentation

Gramophone Magazine, William Yeoman

Naxos Montenegrin Guitar Duo Bach English Suites II CD Cover
Even more mutual sympathy and precision timing from the performers

Audio Video Club of Atlanta, Phil Muse

Naxos Montenegrin Guitar Duo Bach English Suites II CD Cover
Magnificent! Not to be missed!

Stretto, Michel Dutrieue

Very fine realizations that lovers of Bach and the guitar will appreciate

ClassicsToday.com, David Vernier

Fine transcriptions, brilliantly played

American Record Guide, Kenneth Keaton

Dynamic levels are nicely varied throughout, as are textures

Fanfare, Raymond Tuttle

The performance is flawless and accurate… This CD is then a must-have

Guitare Classique, Pacal Proust

The Montenegrin Guitar Duo translates Bach’s mastery of encompassing several musical styles within a single work through a new, refreshing instrumental texture

WGBH, CD of the week

Both men play extremely well

Classical Net, Brian Wigman

The scintillating performances by Krivokapić and Cerović capture the living spirit of Bach’s dance-inflected music

Audio Video Club of Atlanta, Phil Muse

The integration of the Montenegrins is so perfect you often have the feeling that just one performer is involved.

David’s Review Corner, David Denton

An exceptional guitar ensemble

Dušan Bogdanović – composer

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19/02/2025