BEETHOVEN

I went to know Daniel Bautista from the "Legal dowloads" forum here on PA. There have been a high number of Beethoven's covers and arrangements during the year, especially of the first movement of the 5th symphony, but this Spanish metal guitarist is really surprising.

On the 5th he has simply replaced the symphonic orchestra with instruments typically rock but without changing it too much. Beethoven's addict and Clockwork Orangers will disagree, but I think this is still the 5th, not just a rock or pop interpretation of the classic as have been done by Deodato and that 70s disco band whose name I don't remember. I mean that the atmosphere of the original is not lost in the distorted guitar and also Bautista shows a very good skill. I have heard him playing classical guitar and he's classically trained for sure, that's why he shows some respect in this arrangement.

Thing sare not different with the 7th. I'm not sure about how he plays. I think the technique used is similar to Stanley Jordan's: bass notes played by tapping with the left hand and high pitches tapping with the right, but it may be overdubbed. A good guitar solo effort.

The "Moonlight Sonata" is another of the most known pieces of classical music ever. This is made with acoustic and classical guitar which alternates with a bass. Also this arrangement is respectful of the original.

Still in the Olimpus of classical music with the "Pastoral". The arrangement is very metal in this case. Bautista has taken a bit more license in this case, but what he does with the guitar is impressive. About the tapping thing I have the same doubts of the 7th symphony but despite of that there are also drums and bass. More prog-metal than Beethoven.

The "Gross Fugue" is probably the best track of the album. Of course when you reinterpret a so good thing, unless you completely destroy it, it can't be bad.

Finally "Fur Elisa"...well I didn't need another version of it, but it's still in the average goodness of this album.

I can't find another album which fits more in the definition "good but non-essential"