Baroque in Bloomington, MN

Guitarist
Milos Karadaglic
, these days (including here), usually just
Milos
, is known for thematic releases that adopt a single meditative mood. This 2023 release, which landed the charismatic guitarist a spot on classical best-seller lists, might seem, from the title,
Baroque
, to mark a new departure, and indeed,
fills his booklet with various reflections on the Baroque style. It is true that most of the selections come from the Baroque era (
Boccherini
's
Fandango
doesn't, really), but
is not really interested in Baroque structure or technique. He plays only single movements, no complete pieces. Which is not to say that is a bad thing; few other guitarists can make a short meditative piece as absorbing as
can. One of these, a
Fantasie
by
Silvius Leopold Weiss
, has even achieved a measure of virality, and it is wonderful.
Couperin
Les Barricades Mysterieuses
is also a piece tailor-made for
. The solo guitar pieces are interspersed with concerto movements, and
Arcangelo
and its director,
Jonathan Cohen
, do well in keeping these at a quiet level that doesn't disturb the overall mood. Even so, they seem slightly to come out of left field.
Sony
's church sound is a bit too close, but it is not a major distraction. On balance, this is an album that is sure to please
' growing body of fans. ~ James Manheim