This is the second recording by Canadian classical guitarist David Jacques to feature on these pages. The previous recording, 14 Histoires de Guitares, featured guitars and music that spanned more than three centuries. This new recording features guitars that are from the 19th century and are all from Jacques’s private collection.

There are pieces by familiar names such as Fernando Sor, Ferdinando Carulli and Paganini, but the most interesting thing for me was that Jacques performs a variety of pieces from composers who are not really that well-known, unless you have studied or played classical guitar. I was not familiar with names such as Vasily Sarenko, Ernest Shand, Christian Gottlieb Scheidler and William O. Bateman, but to me that is a bonus as it makes me – and hopefully others who purchase this album – want to seek out more works from these composers. This is a well thought out program and all pieces here are outstanding, but I have to mention the final track which did bring a smile to my face. It’s called ‘Joy-Boy’ by Albert J. Weidt and if you are a Seinfeld fan you will understand.

This is really a wonderful album from someone whose love of the guitar shines through, and Jacques’s skill and technique are on full display in all performances. I would recommend this recording to all lovers of music not just lovers of the guitar.

Phil Richards is a classical music specialist at Readings Carlton.