By Jan Vranken 
At Maxazine, we don’t often delve into classical music, but every so often, an album comes along that demands special attention. Wolfgang Muthspiel’s new album, “Etudes, Quietudes,” by the renowned Austrian guitar virtuoso, is an exception that proves the rule. Known for his collaborations with legends like Gary Burton and Brad Mehldau, Muthspiel surprises us with a collection of classical guitar pieces executed with breathtaking beauty.
The album is precisely what its title promises: a series of etudes exploring various aspects of guitar playing, wrapped in thoughtful compositions. The second part of the title, “Quietudes,” hints at a state of harmonious balance where maturity, joy for life, and tranquillity unite—an ambitious promise that Muthspiel fully realizes on this album.
Each of the seventeen pieces on the album is a miniature masterpiece. Take, for instance, “Triplet Droplet,” where Muthspiel explores the possibilities of plucked triplets with astonishing technical control. His background in jazz and classical music blend seamlessly here, resulting in a piece that is both technically impressive and emotionally stirring. In “Melting Chords,” Etude No. 8, he demonstrates his mastery of harmony with chord progressions that are as surprising as they are moving.
What sets this album apart from many other classical guitar recordings is Muthspiel’s ability to combine technical perfection with emotional depth. This is no clinical display of guitar technique; rather, it’s a series of compositions where each technical aspect serves to tell a musical story. His experience as the owner of Material Records and his years of collaboration with various musical greats have contributed to his refined musical vision.
A particular highlight is his interpretation of Bach’s Sarabande from the Suite in G minor. Muthspiel performs this often-played piece with refreshing clarity and openness, allowing his classical technique and pure intonation to give it new dimensions. It’s an interpretation that honours the original composition while showcasing Muthspiel’s unique musical personality.
The album concludes with “For Bill Evans,” a tribute to the legendary jazz pianist. Here, Muthspiel’s jazz roots shine through in a classical guise, as he brilliantly creates a guitar composition that captures the pianistic essence of Evans’ style. It’s a stunning transformation bridging classical and jazz.
“Etudes, Quietudes” is more than a collection of technical exercises; it is a work of art where virtuosity and emotion are perfectly balanced. The attention to detail, the thoughtful construction of each piece, and the overall production quality make this an absolute highlight in Muthspiel’s already impressive discography.
For guitar music enthusiasts, whether they lean towards classical or jazz, this album is a must-have. It’s an ideal gift for the upcoming holiday season and an album that reveals new details with each listen. (9/10) (Clap Your Hands)
Maxazine South Africa 
Norman van den Wildenberg