Newsletter
No. 95 March 2001
By all accounts this evening was a resounding success for the Berkshire Guitar Society. But don’t take my word for it, here are some of the quotes from audience members.
"Extremely good – never very easy for non Spaniards to play flamenco. very enjoyable.."
"Pienso que la musica Espaniole fue manabillosa y las sevillanas que eseuchanas eran estupendas" (or something like that).
I don’t speak Spanish so apologies for any mistakes on the last quote. But I think you get the gist. That last comment was from one of the real Spaniards (hence the language – silly). I approached her after I saw her clapping out the rhythm to one of Mike Lloyd’s excellent flamenco pieces. "I love it – it’s in my blood" she said. She was my barometer for the rest of the evening. If she liked it, then the rest of the audience seemed to like it as well.
A lot of practice work behind the scenes went into this performance, so I took some careful notes of the performances in order to reward the members who gave up their time to play.
Quartet
The evening started with a quartet performance from George MacDonald, Steve Tucker, Elfi Smitheyman and myself, Robert Brown. It’s always nice to have such good players around you in a quartet. We knew we could give a good performance and with Nigel enlisted as percussion support with Elfi’s tomato (it’s too long to explain), we all felt very relaxed. After our two pieces I felt like doing some more! But then I remembered I didn’t have any talent.
Gary Jordan
Gary did more work than anyone on the night and I lost count of how many pieces he actually performed. But from the opening Calatuyud to "Recuerdos" Gary showed his fluency and mastery of the instrument. I even heard a "Bravo" from the audience after Carnavalito. I suppose the nearest thing to a Spanish Circle fight broke out between the "Bolivian" and "Argentinian" sections as each faction claimed the piece for their own. But then you have to make allowances for that hot blooded Latin temperament.
Jeremy Allison
Jeremy served up an hors d’oeuvre of special Spanish pieces with Pictures of Spain, a Petenera and then an Albeniz finale of Granada from my favourite composer. Granada is a piece which demands particular concentration, which Jeremy showed with ease as the room got hotter and hotter.
Mike Lloyd
The performances from all members were very impressive, but I think it is fair to say that the evening really came to life when Mike started playing. The Circle were very appreciative of the Spanish translation which Mike produced as introduction to the pieces. But they clapped even louder after hearing the three flamenco pieces, which were immediately accessible and played with such feeling that Mike even paused before each piece to get into suitable doom and gloom flamenco mood. The enthusiastic quote from the Spanish lady at the beginning of this report relates directly to Mike’s playing. After this it was clear that they wanted flamenco, flamenco and more flamenco!
Gary and Richard Butters
Gary and Richard gave a special treat of five driving South American-ish pieces which made me think I had a long way to go in skill. Sight reading from score, Richard played fast, furious and high up the fretboard, something I can only dream about.
George MacDonald
George had a particularly nice intro in Spanish and gave a very well received flamenco performance. The Spanish lady clapped during the music. Pity we didn’t have a clapometer!
Steve Tucker
Steve played several pieces by Tarrega and Llobet. Sensing that the audience wanted accesible romanticism, he left lots of room for light, shade and emotion within a performance executed with customary style. Again, I went home determined to perfect Octave harmonics.
In summary, twenty pounds well earned, which we blew in the pub afterwards (only joking). Congratulations to every one who played and Mr Chairman we look forward to the next one!
BGS 2001 Diary
Thanks to Gary Jordan for the BGS 2001 program of events which is enclosed with this newsletter. The next main event is the Fiona Harrison concert on 18th March, and we are looking forward to seeing all of you there.
FUTURE EVENTS
Sunday 11th March BGS Ensemble evening with special talk by Jeremy on practising technique
Sunday 18th March Fiona Harrison Concert SHP 7.30 pm
Friday 23rd March Gypsy Blues Flamenco SHP
Sunday 25th March El Guita Flamenco Queen Elizabeth Hall 7.45 pm