Alieksey Vianna is a very talented musicianfully dedicated to his work and greatly committed to his art. He has put a lot of energy into this project and we can all feel the reward. Im pleased to have my entire solo guitar production to this date, represented here by him and I hope to write more solo pieces in the future.
Sergio Assad (from Sergios liner notes)
This disc has three elements that make it a truly outstanding guitar recording: a brilliant idea, superb playing, and professional caliber production. I must applaud Alieksey Vianna on seeing the need and potential for creating the first disc containing a complete account of Sergio Assad's solo guitar works, thus making this CD essential to any guitar aficionado's reference collection. Vianna deserves further praise, as he was also able to recognize that Assad's works, unlike those of many other composers, are unique in that as a whole they amount to a remarkably diverse collection of compositions. None of this would have mattered much, however, if it were not for Vianna's impeccable guitar playing which is delivered with the rare balance of poise, grace, and raw emotion. Vianna has conceived a recording that not only compiles for guitarists a much-needed collection of Assad's highly distinct works but also offers striking music accessible to all guitar music listeners. My highest recommendation.
Timothy Smith, Minor 7th
This is an exquisite album!
Randy Morse, "The Best of Brazil" KZUM 89.3 FM
Alieksey Vianna is at once passionate and cool - like the best of jazz musicians. The instrument never leaves his control&power permeates every second of his recording of Sergio Assad's music.
Having seen him perform the Aquarelle on many occasions, it was great joy to find his performance captured here. It is in his Aquarelle, surprisingly, that one sees him at his most sensitive. In the second movement some players (I include myself here) affect a maudlin tone - but not Vianna - with a mastery of tempo, one which the finest performers exhibit in their slowest performances., we hear a simple piece, played simply perfectly.
The difficulty in Assad's music lies in its perpetual motion, an element which often obscures its musical depth. Vianna's masterful interpretation of the Sonata, which serves as the most complex performance on the disc, shows how essential a deep interpretation can be. Without Vianna's clear characterization of the mordant figures, harmonic-laden, chordal themes and Vivaldi-esque closing figures - these three movements might sound hopelessly episodic. On close examination, they clearly are not and through Vianna's prism one can see the constituent colors of a remarkable piece.
Though the disc often wanders, as in the Fantasia Carioca and Jobiniana No. 3 (the latter felt like a Brazilian Rossiniana - in all respects), one can't fault either player or composer for indulging a bit too much in atmosphere, especially when it is created so completely and executed so attentively. To put it simply - you will find no more passionate or perfect performance of Assad's solo music anywhere. Anthony Hull, Guitarra Magazine
&eminently likeable, beautifully crafted works&Vianna plays them with an infectious energy. Vianna has just the right rhythmic sensibility for this music: his playing is both tight and flexible. Rings, American Record Guide
Throughout, Vianna plays with rich tone, rhythmic intensity, and a technical facility that promise a bright future. Mark Small, Acoustic Guitar Magazine
Sergio Assad's works are becoming staples of the repertoire. Alieksey Vianna's recording makes it clear why this is so. Vianna plays brilliantly throughout the disc, the authenticity of which is assured by having the composer in the role of producer as well. Vianna's tone is beautiful and he is very well recorded here. Albert Kunze, Soundboard Magazine
Aliéksey Vianna uses supreme guitar technique&During the entire CD one is attached to his stunning approach to the modern classical guitar repertoire in by-passing the traditional guitar repertoire. This makes the classical guitar more interesting for a wider audience than the typical standard classical works. Truly an inspiration for guitar enthusiasts of all genres. Aliéksey Vianna's music is pure emotion, creativity and passion at the highest level. Henk te Veldhuis, Bridge Guitar Reviews
