DANCE AND SONG - CLASSICAL GUITAR RECITAL

KANGAROO VALLEY HALL SATURDAY 27 JULY 2024 3PM  

Dance and song are the beating hearts of music. This program draws together works by seemingly disparate composers, all inspired by these two vital musical forms. From melodious and lyrical to pulsating and rocking, this program encompasses it all. 

J.S. Bach's (1685-1750) fourth suite for the solo cello showcases the elegance and grandeur of the baroque, and is among the brightest of his works for the cello, here in a new arrangement for the guitar by Jesse Flowers. 

Hommage a Charles Bukowski by Petra Szászi (1997*) is heavily influenced by Hungarian folk music, with mournful melodies and violent dances interchanging throughout. It is a work that demands the utmost of the performer, with each string being re-tuned to E (!) during the course of the work. It has to be seen to be believed!

Clarice Assad's (1978*) The Last Song stands as a beautiful example of a "song without words," a composition that speaks volumes through pure lyricism and poetic expression. 

This is then contrasted with works by João Luiz (1979*), who draws upon many diverse influences including choro, Brazilian carnival music and jazz to create an utterly unique soundworld, woven with his complete mastery of counterpoint. 

Luis de Narváez (fl. 1526-1549) was one of the most renowned vihuela players of all time, the vihuela being an ancient Spanish plucked instrument. His arrangement of Josquin des Prez’s motet ‘Mille Regretz’, famously known as Canción del Emperador is one of his most well loved works, and was said to be the favourite song of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor in the 16th century.

The Australian composer Phillip Houghton (1954-2017) was inspired to write Stélé after seeing an ancient Greek headstone depicting a forlorn sailor, evoked in the first movement with a sorrowful tune. The second movement is his musical expression of a wild dervish dance, constant and giddy forward motion, followed by movements that weave previously heard elements together. 

These compositions collectively unveil a kaleidoscopic panorama of dances and songs spanning centuries, highlighting how modern composers continue to be inspired by these timeless forms.