NEWCASTLE HERALD
TUESDAY MAY 10, 2005
CD REVIEW
GARETH KOCH
A GUITAR ANTHOLOGY
FIVE STARS
We don't normally do much classical in ORBIT but this is a young(ish) guy and it is nothing less than outstanding. ABC Classics has released this four-disc set of classical guitarist Gareth Koch showing the depth and breadth of his virtuoso talent. The first disc is mostly an ambitious and at times amazing solo guitar reworking of the dramatic Carmina Burana by Orff. The second disc turns to the flamenco flavours of Spain while disc three has a folky air with traditional Irish, Spanish and Australian ballads. Rounding out the set is a set of medieval-inspired tunes. Throughout it all Koch's tone and technique are impeccable and the overall result is a remarkable achievement. World class.