Manuel Barrueco: A Gift and a Life.("Aaron Shearer: A Life with the Guitar")(Video recording review)

Manuel Barrueco: A Gift and a Life. DVD. Directed by Michael Lawrence. [Baltimore, MD]: Michael Lawrence Films, 2005. $29.99.

Aaron Shearer: A Life with the Guitar. DVD. Directed by Michael Lawrence. [Baltimore, MD]: Michael Lawrence Films, 2004. $29.99.

Manuel Barrueco is considered to be one of the finest classical guitarists performing today. Two recently released documentary DVDs explain how that came to be. Manuel Barrueco: A Gift and a Life describes how the Cuban-born guitarist developed from a rebellious youth into an internationally acclaimed concert artist. Aaron Shearer: A Life With the Guitar chronicles the career of Barrueco's mentor and teacher at Johns Hopkins University's Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore.

The Barrueco documentary presents early photos and commentary by the guitarist, which paint a picture of his difficult youth and sometimes turbulent development at the Peabody Conservatory. Barrueco's reflections concerning his family's anguish at having to leave Cuba are particularly poignant. His musical respect for the renowned Cuban composer, Leo Brouwer, is explored while revealing their opposite perspectives on Fidel Castro's government. (Brouwer still lives in Cuba.)

Enlightening and fascinating interviews with world acclaimed musicians detail the current phase of Barrueco's career. Fellow guitarists David Russell and Eliot Fisk, plus Sergio and Odair Assad describe the impact Barrueco has made specifically in the world of the guitar but also to the world of music in general. Other great musicians who have collaborated in musical projects with Barrueco describe the extent of his genius, virtuosity, and benevolence. These artists include Placido Domingo, Al Di Meola and Andy Summers.

All of the above is interspersed with dazzling footage of Barrueco performing works by Bach, Albeniz, Granados, Villa-Lobos, Rodrigo, and Lennon/McCartney. (Even a portion of the commercial showing Barrueco playing his guitar while riding in the back of a Lexus automobile is included.) Camera angles allow excellent views of the guitarist's superb technique while the audio quality provides a fine opportunity to experience this artist's marvelous tone production and tasteful nuance of expression.

The selectable "extras" in the Barrueco DVD are very helpful. Subtitles in English, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese are available for the viewer. There is a separate listing of the musical pieces performed which allows the viewer to click directly to each performance. A substantial printed biography of the guitarist is also included.