Discussion:
Three Sonatas for Guitar
(too old to reply)
Angelo Gilardino
2003-09-24 05:28:03 UTC
Permalink
Last Spring, I wrote a Sonata in three movements for Guitar with the title
of a beatiful photograph by John Wasak (a serious New York artist). The
piece, whose movements are entitled: 1) Trees 2) Heavens 3) Waters, has been
delivered at the beginning of this Summer to its dedicatee, the guitarist
David Leisner. With his permission, I report here his comments:

"The piece is so beautifully written for the instrument. I would think that
it would fit anyone's left hand like a glove, perfectly natural and smooth.
It will be, I believe, a difficult piece for most audiences, especially the
first and, to a lesser extent, the last movement. The harmonic language is
rather grey and forbidding, and the overall emotional atmosphere is austere
(I really like this austerity!). But melody is everywhere, and if the
interpreter brings this out always, I think it will communicate... [I was
of course very pleased with David's response about the atmosphere of the
music, because of its affinity with John Wasak's image].

...The first movement, Trees, reminds me a bit of Ocram in its passion, but
now far more controlled and always in the service of its sophisticated form.

The 2nd mvmt., Heavens, is heartbreakingly beautiful. It is unsentimental
and very touching..." etc. etc.

David will premiere the piece during 2004 concert season. Subsequently,
Edizioni Musicali Bèrben will publish the music with his fingering and
dynamic-expression marks (he has suggested to change them and I will of
course accept).

This was the second of three Sonatas which I aimed to write for guitar solo
after more than ten years of dedication to compose concertos with orchestra
and chamber music with guitar. The first of these Sonatas, entitled
"Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux", has been written for and dedicated to
the young, outstanding Italian guitarist Lorenzo Micheli, who premiered it
on last August at Lagonegro Festival. After the premiere, I asked Lorenzo to
give me a bit of time to correct some points which I had thought of too
abstractly, and whose sound did not match my expectation (a guilt of the
composer, not of the excellent interpreter). I have just delivered to him
(he leaves today Italy for one of his USA tours) the updated version, and
after his new premiere I will send it to the Bèrben print. The third Sonata
("La Casa del Faro") is in course of composition. Mark Delpriora will be
called in as a dedicatee and first performer.

On 2002 I wrote two more guitar solo works: "Triptico de las visiones", a
three movement Suite dedicated to the Spanish guitarist Gabriel Estarellas,
who will premiere them in the Madrid Auditorium on 2004, and the short (5
minutes) "Colloquio con Andrés Segovia", already in the repertoire of its
dedicatee, Frédéric Zigante, who premiered it on last March in Rome.


AG
Scott Daughtrey
2003-09-24 12:17:30 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 24 Sep 2003 07:28:03 +0200, "Angelo Gilardino"
Post by Angelo Gilardino
Last Spring, I wrote a Sonata in three movements for Guitar with the title
of a beatiful photograph by John Wasak (a serious New York artist). The
piece, whose movements are entitled: 1) Trees 2) Heavens 3) Waters, has been
delivered at the beginning of this Summer to its dedicatee, the guitarist
"The piece is so beautifully written for the instrument. I would think that
it would fit anyone's left hand like a glove, perfectly natural and smooth.
It will be, I believe, a difficult piece for most audiences, especially the
first and, to a lesser extent, the last movement. The harmonic language is
rather grey and forbidding, and the overall emotional atmosphere is austere
(I really like this austerity!). But melody is everywhere, and if the
interpreter brings this out always, I think it will communicate... [I was
of course very pleased with David's response about the atmosphere of the
music, because of its affinity with John Wasak's image].
...The first movement, Trees, reminds me a bit of Ocram in its passion, but
now far more controlled and always in the service of its sophisticated form.
The 2nd mvmt., Heavens, is heartbreakingly beautiful. It is unsentimental
and very touching..." etc. etc.
David will premiere the piece during 2004 concert season. Subsequently,
Edizioni Musicali Bèrben will publish the music with his fingering and
dynamic-expression marks (he has suggested to change them and I will of
course accept).
This was the second of three Sonatas which I aimed to write for guitar solo
after more than ten years of dedication to compose concertos with orchestra
and chamber music with guitar. The first of these Sonatas, entitled
"Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux", has been written for and dedicated to
the young, outstanding Italian guitarist Lorenzo Micheli, who premiered it
on last August at Lagonegro Festival. After the premiere, I asked Lorenzo to
give me a bit of time to correct some points which I had thought of too
abstractly, and whose sound did not match my expectation (a guilt of the
composer, not of the excellent interpreter). I have just delivered to him
(he leaves today Italy for one of his USA tours) the updated version, and
after his new premiere I will send it to the Bèrben print. The third Sonata
("La Casa del Faro") is in course of composition. Mark Delpriora will be
called in as a dedicatee and first performer.
On 2002 I wrote two more guitar solo works: "Triptico de las visiones", a
three movement Suite dedicated to the Spanish guitarist Gabriel Estarellas,
who will premiere them in the Madrid Auditorium on 2004, and the short (5
minutes) "Colloquio con Andrés Segovia", already in the repertoire of its
dedicatee, Frédéric Zigante, who premiered it on last March in Rome.
As always, congratulations on the hard work. Nice words from David Leisner
indeed. Mark D. must be excited to see what sits over the horizon.

One small question though - why do you not acknowledge Sonata 1 and instead
list "Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux" as your first Sonata?

Regards,
Scott
Angelo Gilardino
2003-09-24 13:04:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by Scott Daughtrey
One small question though - why do you not acknowledge Sonata 1 and instead
list "Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux" as your first Sonata?
I gave a number to the three last Sonatas only in the message I wrote to
this NG, but they will be published with their respective "literary" titles
("Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux", "Catskill Pond", "La Casa del Faro")
with no number. I do acknowledge my Sonata n. 1 indeed - I am so glad of
having been able to compose it, and even if it happened only during the
months I worked at building it up, I was given a power which projected
something really great on my life.

AG
Scott Daughtrey
2003-09-24 13:29:14 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 24 Sep 2003 15:04:41 +0200, "Angelo Gilardino"
Post by Scott Daughtrey
Post by Scott Daughtrey
One small question though - why do you not acknowledge Sonata 1 and
instead
Post by Scott Daughtrey
list "Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux" as your first Sonata?
I gave a number to the three last Sonatas only in the message I wrote to
this NG, but they will be published with their respective "literary" titles
("Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux", "Catskill Pond", "La Casa del Faro")
with no number. I do acknowledge my Sonata n. 1 indeed - I am so glad of
having been able to compose it,
Thank goodness! I may be equally glad to be able to play it.
Post by Scott Daughtrey
and even if it happened only during the
months I worked at building it up, I was given a power which projected
something really great on my life.
I'm happy to read this.

I would have been disappointed if you were to dismiss Sonata n. 1 as a work of
less value to your other Sonatas, even if the reception is not/has not been
what it might deserve to be.

Scott
Angelo Gilardino
2003-09-24 14:00:27 UTC
Permalink
Post by Scott Daughtrey
On Wed, 24 Sep 2003 15:04:41 +0200, "Angelo Gilardino"
Post by Angelo Gilardino
I gave a number to the three last Sonatas only in the message I wrote to
this NG, but they will be published with their respective "literary" titles
("Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux", "Catskill Pond", "La Casa del Faro")
with no number. I do acknowledge my Sonata n. 1 indeed - I am so glad of
having been able to compose it,
Thank goodness! I may be equally glad to be able to play it.
A performer who succeeds in presenting a work to audiences (with his
concerts and/or recordings) at the musical level requested by the work in
question, is as important as the composer who wrote it.
Post by Scott Daughtrey
I would have been disappointed if you were to dismiss Sonata n. 1 as a work of
less value to your other Sonatas, even if the reception is not/has not been
what it might deserve to be.
In the list of my directory - which can take note only of a part of what
happens to each work of mine, after its publication - the Sonata n. 1 has
been played in public concerts by Marco de Santi (first and best performer),
Giovanni Puddu, Matthias Klager, Marco Silletti, Giancarlo Dellacasa, Fabio
Fasano (the latter also broadcasted it for national radio). All of them
performed the whole piece more than once. For a piece written only 18 years
ago, it is not that bad. The Sonata n. 2 had got hundreds performances and
three recordings because it is more pleasant and lukewarm but I trust, on
the long time perspective, the Sonata n. 1 to receive all the appreciation
it deserves (no more and no less).

Thankyou for adding yourself to the list of the above mentioned performers.

AG
Mike P.
2003-09-24 16:34:30 UTC
Permalink
Cool. Congratulations to you both. To the "serious New York artist,"
is there a URL where we can see a reproduction of this photograph?

Thanks,
Mike P.
Greg M. Silverman
2003-09-24 16:36:48 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mike P.
Cool. Congratulations to you both. To the "serious New York artist,"
is there a URL where we can see a reproduction of this photograph?
Thanks,
Mike P.
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Museum/6026/

gms--
Mike P.
2003-09-25 00:23:16 UTC
Permalink
Thanks Greg. Looks like "Catskill Pond" is on this page:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Museum/6026/page8.html

Nice work John. Er, sorry: serious New York artist. Can we call you
sNYa for short? I like 'em all, but those b&w clouds, and the frozen
bubbles in the stream especially caught my eye. The boats in the fog
are real cool too. Yeah! Nice photos.

Mike P.
John Wasak
2003-09-25 02:59:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mike P.
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Museum/6026/page8.html
Nice work John. Er, sorry: serious New York artist. Can we call you
sNYa for short? I like 'em all, but those b&w clouds, and the frozen
bubbles in the stream especially caught my eye. The boats in the fog
are real cool too. Yeah! Nice photos.
Mike P.
Thanks, Mike. Nice to hear you like 'em all. ;-) It is, of course,
extremely generous of AG to mention my photograph when he talks about this
particular sonata of his. I suppose when it comes to mentioning my name in
this NG, especially for a serious purpose, one does need to add "serious",
if only as a reminder that, as opposed to the usual tomfoolery I dispense in
this NG, I can, at times, be serious. (Usually right after I take off the
clown shoes! ;-) )

But all kidding aside, Angelo is a serious man and when he talks about
music, either his own or other's, he does so seriously. And when Angelo
talks about music I've found it seriously worthwhile to listen.


jw
dave payne
2003-09-25 04:05:11 UTC
Permalink
John Wasak wrote:
...
Post by John Wasak
I suppose when it comes to mentioning my name in
this NG, especially for a serious purpose, one does need to add "serious",
if only as a reminder that, as opposed to the usual tomfoolery I dispense in
this NG, I can, at times, be serious.
...

tom who? :)
Post by John Wasak
But all kidding aside, Angelo is a serious man
...

I have a sneaky suspicion that if we were reading him in italian rather
than english "serious" might not be the most fitting solitary adjective
to use here.

Dave Payne,
***@interlog.com
Angelo Gilardino
2003-09-25 06:20:09 UTC
Permalink
Post by John Wasak
Thanks, Mike. Nice to hear you like 'em all. ;-) It is, of course,
extremely generous of AG to mention my photograph when he talks about this
particular sonata of his.
No, I was not generous (not on this occasion), I was correct. I had an old
promise to fill, to write a piece for David Leisner, but I had never found
an idea about where starting from. I visited your website when it happened
we had some "literary" exchange on the NG - I saw you had quite a knowledge
of poetry - and it was obvious to give a glance to the photos shown in your
gallery. I liked all of them, but I was especially touched by "Catskill
Pond". In a few days, I connected that strong impression with my purpose of
writing a work for David, and I begun. Now the piece is done, David likes
it, I do also, and it will be premiered, recorded and published. It is not
generous to acknowledge the source of that inspiration: it would be
extremely unfair to miss doing that.
Post by John Wasak
I suppose when it comes to mentioning my name in
this NG, especially for a serious purpose, one does need to add "serious",
if only as a reminder that, as opposed to the usual tomfoolery I dispense in
this NG, I can, at times, be serious.
Exactly.


AG
John Wasak
2003-09-25 02:58:08 UTC
Permalink
Post by Angelo Gilardino
piece, whose movements are entitled: 1) Trees 2) Heavens 3) Waters, has been
delivered at the beginning of this Summer to its dedicatee, the guitarist
[snip]
Post by Angelo Gilardino
David will premiere the piece during 2004 concert season. Subsequently,
Edizioni Musicali Bèrben will publish the music with his fingering and
dynamic-expression marks (he has suggested to change them and I will of
course accept).
Congratulations, Angelo. I look forward to hearing this sonata. As well as
the 'Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux' and 'La Casa del Faro'.


jw
Angelo Gilardino
2003-09-25 06:26:08 UTC
Permalink
Post by John Wasak
Congratulations, Angelo. I look forward to hearing this sonata. As well as
the 'Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux' and 'La Casa del Faro'.
jw
I would like very much to publish these three Sonatas in one book,
including a CD with Richard Yates' emulations. His guitar sounfont is
impressive, and he knows very well how to elaborate the Finale files into
audio files. I am sure this would help a lot the understanding of the music.
Let's hope...

AG
Richard Yates
2003-09-25 13:52:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by Angelo Gilardino
Post by John Wasak
Congratulations, Angelo. I look forward to hearing this sonata.
As well as the 'Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux' and 'La Casa
del Faro'. jw
I would like very much to publish these three Sonatas in one book,
including a CD with Richard Yates' emulations. His guitar sounfont
is impressive, and he knows very well how to elaborate the Finale
files into audio files. I am sure this would help a lot the
understanding of the music. Let's hope...
Thank you Angelo. By the way, nearly 200 rmcg readers have listened to the
mp3 of Angelo's new solo 'Colloquio con Andrés Segovia', but none have
commented on this wonderful piece. There is a delightful balance of
adventurous (but not radical) harmonic language in a clear, contrapuntal
context that, as with so much of Angelo's music, sits quite comfortably on
the guitar. All should look forward to the publication of this piece. If you
have not heard it, the mp3 is at:

http://www.yatesguitar.com/misc/Colloquio.mp3 (4.8MB)

If you have listened to it, what do you think?

Richard
Matanya Ophee
2003-09-25 14:33:51 UTC
Permalink
Post by Richard Yates
Thank you Angelo. By the way, nearly 200 rmcg readers have listened to the
mp3 of Angelo's new solo 'Colloquio con Andrés Segovia', but none have
commented on this wonderful piece. There is a delightful balance of
adventurous (but not radical) harmonic language in a clear, contrapuntal
context that, as with so much of Angelo's music, sits quite comfortably on
the guitar. All should look forward to the publication of this piece. If you
http://www.yatesguitar.com/misc/Colloquio.mp3 (4.8MB)
If you have listened to it, what do you think?
A really good piece of music which deserve a place of honor in the
repertoire. But as I already told Angelo privately, it feels like it
wants to be played much faster. I wonder if you can test this premise?


Matanya Ophee
Editions Orphe'e, Inc.,
1240 Clubview Blvd. N.
Columbus, OH 43235-1226
614-846-9517
fax: 614-846-9794
http://www.orphee.com
http://www.orphee.com/rmcg/album-rmcg/album.html
http://www.savageclassical.com/rmcg/album-rmcg/album.html
Pierre Tremblay
2003-09-25 18:37:39 UTC
Permalink
WOW!

As you said, it is something to look forward to the publication. When is
this scheduled?
Post by Richard Yates
Thank you Angelo. By the way, nearly 200 rmcg readers have listened to the
mp3 of Angelo's new solo 'Colloquio con Andrés Segovia', but none have
commented on this wonderful piece. There is a delightful balance of
adventurous (but not radical) harmonic language in a clear, contrapuntal
context that, as with so much of Angelo's music, sits quite comfortably on
the guitar. All should look forward to the publication of this piece. If you
http://www.yatesguitar.com/misc/Colloquio.mp3 (4.8MB)
If you have listened to it, what do you think?
Richard
Angelo Gilardino
2003-09-26 04:29:35 UTC
Permalink
Post by Pierre Tremblay
WOW!
As you said, it is something to look forward to the publication. When is
this scheduled?
Within the end of the current year.

AG
Robert Crim
2003-09-25 20:04:50 UTC
Permalink
On Thu, 25 Sep 2003 06:52:17 -0700, "Richard Yates"
Post by Richard Yates
Post by Angelo Gilardino
Post by John Wasak
Congratulations, Angelo. I look forward to hearing this sonata.
As well as the 'Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux' and 'La Casa
del Faro'. jw
I would like very much to publish these three Sonatas in one book,
including a CD with Richard Yates' emulations. His guitar sounfont
is impressive, and he knows very well how to elaborate the Finale
files into audio files. I am sure this would help a lot the
understanding of the music. Let's hope...
Thank you Angelo. By the way, nearly 200 rmcg readers have listened to the
mp3 of Angelo's new solo 'Colloquio con Andrés Segovia', but none have
commented on this wonderful piece. There is a delightful balance of
adventurous (but not radical) harmonic language in a clear, contrapuntal
context that, as with so much of Angelo's music, sits quite comfortably on
the guitar. All should look forward to the publication of this piece. If you
http://www.yatesguitar.com/misc/Colloquio.mp3 (4.8MB)
If you have listened to it, what do you think?
Richard
The machine rendition is too long, too slow, with not enough movement
for my tastes. It could be the lack of dynamics in the rendition or I
might be missing the point though.

I am reminded of the Bach English Suite #3 courante.....only much
slower.

Robert
John Wasak
2003-09-25 23:01:03 UTC
Permalink
Post by Robert Crim
On Thu, 25 Sep 2003 06:52:17 -0700, "Richard Yates"
Post by Richard Yates
Post by Angelo Gilardino
Post by John Wasak
Congratulations, Angelo. I look forward to hearing this sonata.
As well as the 'Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux' and 'La Casa
del Faro'. jw
I would like very much to publish these three Sonatas in one book,
including a CD with Richard Yates' emulations. His guitar sounfont
is impressive, and he knows very well how to elaborate the Finale
files into audio files. I am sure this would help a lot the
understanding of the music. Let's hope...
Thank you Angelo. By the way, nearly 200 rmcg readers have listened to the
mp3 of Angelo's new solo 'Colloquio con Andrés Segovia', but none have
commented on this wonderful piece. There is a delightful balance of
adventurous (but not radical) harmonic language in a clear, contrapuntal
context that, as with so much of Angelo's music, sits quite comfortably on
the guitar. All should look forward to the publication of this piece. If you
http://www.yatesguitar.com/misc/Colloquio.mp3 (4.8MB)
If you have listened to it, what do you think?
Richard
The machine rendition is too long, too slow, with not enough movement
for my tastes. It could be the lack of dynamics in the rendition or I
might be missing the point though.
I am reminded of the Bach English Suite #3 courante.....only much
slower.
Robert
Actually, I would like to hear this played quite a bit slower, with maybe a
curve of sound that starts out softly, slowly works up to a forte in the
middle and then a gradual return to the quiet for an exit. The piece
itself, in its repetitions that somehow suggest a forward movement has me
visualizing a processional of some kind - likely Medieval and to do with a
pilgrimage (maybe to Santiago de Compostela). As for the actual sound
quality of the machine... I guess it sounds guitar-like all things
considered, but I can't help think of a harpsichord.


jw
Lutester
2003-09-25 23:17:15 UTC
Permalink
Post by John Wasak
Post by Robert Crim
On Thu, 25 Sep 2003 06:52:17 -0700, "Richard Yates"
Post by Richard Yates
Post by Angelo Gilardino
Post by John Wasak
Congratulations, Angelo. I look forward to hearing this sonata.
As well as the 'Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux' and 'La Casa
del Faro'. jw
I would like very much to publish these three Sonatas in one book,
including a CD with Richard Yates' emulations. His guitar sounfont
is impressive, and he knows very well how to elaborate the Finale
files into audio files. I am sure this would help a lot the
understanding of the music. Let's hope...
Thank you Angelo. By the way, nearly 200 rmcg readers have listened to
the
Post by Robert Crim
Post by Richard Yates
mp3 of Angelo's new solo 'Colloquio con Andrés Segovia', but none have
commented on this wonderful piece. There is a delightful balance of
adventurous (but not radical) harmonic language in a clear, contrapuntal
context that, as with so much of Angelo's music, sits quite comfortably
on
Post by Robert Crim
Post by Richard Yates
the guitar. All should look forward to the publication of this piece. If
you
Post by Robert Crim
Post by Richard Yates
http://www.yatesguitar.com/misc/Colloquio.mp3 (4.8MB)
If you have listened to it, what do you think?
Richard
The machine rendition is too long, too slow, with not enough movement
for my tastes. It could be the lack of dynamics in the rendition or I
might be missing the point though.
I am reminded of the Bach English Suite #3 courante.....only much
slower.
Robert
Actually, I would like to hear this played quite a bit slower, with maybe a
curve of sound that starts out softly, slowly works up to a forte in the
middle and then a gradual return to the quiet for an exit. The piece
itself, in its repetitions that somehow suggest a forward movement has me
visualizing a processional of some kind - likely Medieval and to do with a
pilgrimage (maybe to Santiago de Compostela). As for the actual sound
quality of the machine... I guess it sounds guitar-like all things
considered, but I can't help think of a harpsichord.
jw
I guess that's why there is more than one horse in a horse race, eh?

I listened several times, but found myself drifting off to other
thoughts because the slow tempo could not hold my interest.
I suppose I would also find myself drifting off if I were in a
processional in Santiago de Compostela.......unless there were bulls
running behind me.

I don't think the guitar would have enough sustain to go slower. A
harpsichord would not be any better at carrying the feeling either,
IMHO. Faster would be nicer. Slower would be a real snore-fest.

I hope Angelo appreciates this well intentioned input. If I were him,
I'd ignore it all.....especially yours. wink, wink.

Robert
John Wasak
2003-09-26 00:34:11 UTC
Permalink
Post by Lutester
Post by John Wasak
Post by Robert Crim
On Thu, 25 Sep 2003 06:52:17 -0700, "Richard Yates"
Post by Richard Yates
Post by Angelo Gilardino
Post by John Wasak
Congratulations, Angelo. I look forward to hearing this sonata.
As well as the 'Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux' and 'La Casa
del Faro'. jw
I would like very much to publish these three Sonatas in one book,
including a CD with Richard Yates' emulations. His guitar sounfont
is impressive, and he knows very well how to elaborate the Finale
files into audio files. I am sure this would help a lot the
understanding of the music. Let's hope...
Thank you Angelo. By the way, nearly 200 rmcg readers have listened to
the
Post by Robert Crim
Post by Richard Yates
mp3 of Angelo's new solo 'Colloquio con Andrés Segovia', but none have
commented on this wonderful piece. There is a delightful balance of
adventurous (but not radical) harmonic language in a clear, contrapuntal
context that, as with so much of Angelo's music, sits quite comfortably
on
Post by Robert Crim
Post by Richard Yates
the guitar. All should look forward to the publication of this piece. If
you
Post by Robert Crim
Post by Richard Yates
http://www.yatesguitar.com/misc/Colloquio.mp3 (4.8MB)
If you have listened to it, what do you think?
Richard
The machine rendition is too long, too slow, with not enough movement
for my tastes. It could be the lack of dynamics in the rendition or I
might be missing the point though.
I am reminded of the Bach English Suite #3 courante.....only much
slower.
Robert
Actually, I would like to hear this played quite a bit slower, with maybe a
curve of sound that starts out softly, slowly works up to a forte in the
middle and then a gradual return to the quiet for an exit. The piece
itself, in its repetitions that somehow suggest a forward movement has me
visualizing a processional of some kind - likely Medieval and to do with a
pilgrimage (maybe to Santiago de Compostela). As for the actual sound
quality of the machine... I guess it sounds guitar-like all things
considered, but I can't help think of a harpsichord.
jw
I guess that's why there is more than one horse in a horse race, eh?
I listened several times, but found myself drifting off to other
thoughts because the slow tempo could not hold my interest.
I suppose I would also find myself drifting off if I were in a
processional in Santiago de Compostela.......unless there were bulls
running behind me.
I don't think the guitar would have enough sustain to go slower. A
harpsichord would not be any better at carrying the feeling either,
IMHO. Faster would be nicer. Slower would be a real snore-fest.
I'm not so sure. There's quite a few pieces that move along relatively
slowly and call for the guitar to sustain, or at least allow the illusion of
an implied sustain, sound. Music that asks us to listen into the spaces and
the silences and to stay fully alert tot he notes decay. Off the top of my
head I can think of a few pieces (of a more modern style) that would fit
this description - Poulenc's 'Sarabande', Falla's 'Homenaje', Takemitsu's
'All in Twilight' and Poul Ruders' 'Chaconne'. But that's just me. I
prefer slow music in general. It's usually the fast stuff that loses my
interest, well...fast! Of course the ultimate determiner is the quality of
the music. If it's not any good, then slow or fast won't matter.
Post by Lutester
I hope Angelo appreciates this well intentioned input. If I were him,
I'd ignore it all.....especially yours. wink, wink.
Robert
I'm sure Angelo already has a tempo mind.


jw
Robert Crim
2003-09-26 01:41:03 UTC
Permalink
Post by John Wasak
I'm not so sure. There's quite a few pieces that move along relatively
slowly and call for the guitar to sustain, or at least allow the illusion of
an implied sustain, sound. Music that asks us to listen into the spaces and
the silences and to stay fully alert tot he notes decay.
You ask a lot of the listener. I'm not so sure that the listener has
that kind of patience until educated/explained to. I count myself as
one of those listeners that looks for the grand pattern early in the
piece. As a player, it is easy to get caught up in the 'grand
pattern' because it is so obvious.....after a lot of reading and
practice with the music in front of you. The listener does not have
the benefit of so many hours of listening and exploring. They/we only
get one or two shots at it before we decide on it's merits.
Post by John Wasak
Off the top of my
head I can think of a few pieces (of a more modern style) that would fit
this description - Poulenc's 'Sarabande', Falla's 'Homenaje', Takemitsu's
'All in Twilight' and Poul Ruders' 'Chaconne'.
I've played the Falla "Homenaje" for many years. The others you
listed are not so familiar to me. The "Homenaje" does not , to me
rely on the guitar's sustain or lack thereof, for it's impact.
Instead, IMO, it does it's magic with the timbre and tempo that the
player brings to the piece.

Again, IMO, the defining performance of that piece was done by Rey de
la Torre. He had a real feeling for it, and it carried on to the
listener. I being one of them.
Post by John Wasak
But that's just me. I
prefer slow music in general. It's usually the fast stuff that loses my
interest, well...fast! Of course the ultimate determiner is the quality of
the music. If it's not any good, then slow or fast won't matter.
Amen brother.

Robert
John Wasak
2003-09-26 02:51:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by Robert Crim
Post by John Wasak
I'm not so sure. There's quite a few pieces that move along relatively
slowly and call for the guitar to sustain, or at least allow the illusion of
an implied sustain, sound. Music that asks us to listen into the spaces and
the silences and to stay fully alert tot he notes decay.
You ask a lot of the listener.
Nothing wrong with that! ;-)
Post by Robert Crim
I'm not so sure that the listener has
that kind of patience until educated/explained to. I count myself as
one of those listeners that looks for the grand pattern early in the
piece. As a player, it is easy to get caught up in the 'grand
pattern' because it is so obvious.....after a lot of reading and
practice with the music in front of you. The listener does not have
the benefit of so many hours of listening and exploring. They/we only
get one or two shots at it before we decide on it's merits.
Well, I dunno, I've listened to a lot of Morton Feldman. I guess that's
steeled me to listen to the spaces. ;-)
Post by Robert Crim
Post by John Wasak
Off the top of my
head I can think of a few pieces (of a more modern style) that would fit
this description - Poulenc's 'Sarabande', Falla's 'Homenaje', Takemitsu's
'All in Twilight' and Poul Ruders' 'Chaconne'.
I've played the Falla "Homenaje" for many years. The others you
listed are not so familiar to me. The "Homenaje" does not , to me
rely on the guitar's sustain or lack thereof, for it's impact.
Instead, IMO, it does it's magic with the timbre and tempo that the
player brings to the piece.
Well, the piece is not particularly fast and there are spaces where the
sound sits.
Post by Robert Crim
Again, IMO, the defining performance of that piece was done by Rey de
la Torre. He had a real feeling for it, and it carried on to the
listener. I being one of them.
Post by John Wasak
But that's just me. I
prefer slow music in general. It's usually the fast stuff that loses my
interest, well...fast! Of course the ultimate determiner is the quality of
the music. If it's not any good, then slow or fast won't matter.
Amen brother.
Robert
Sing it over...

;-)

jw
Angelo Gilardino
2003-09-26 04:28:44 UTC
Permalink
Post by John Wasak
Post by Robert Crim
The machine rendition is too long, too slow, with not enough movement
for my tastes. It could be the lack of dynamics in the rendition or I
might be missing the point though.
I am reminded of the Bach English Suite #3 courante.....only much
slower.
Robert
Actually, I would like to hear this played quite a bit slower, with maybe a
curve of sound that starts out softly, slowly works up to a forte in the
middle and then a gradual return to the quiet for an exit. The piece
itself, in its repetitions that somehow suggest a forward movement has me
visualizing a processional of some kind - likely Medieval and to do with a
pilgrimage (maybe to Santiago de Compostela). As for the actual sound
quality of the machine... I guess it sounds guitar-like all things
considered, but I can't help think of a harpsichord.
jw
Richard's emulation sets up the tempo I have indicated on the score, and it
sounds more or less how I have deviced it in my mind. If not exactly, it is
my guilt, because I do not own a metronome.
The distinguished Italian guitarist Piero Bonaguri rang up to me three days
ago and had me listening at the phone his fresh recording of the piece for a
next CD of his. He takes a slower tempo than I marked, but I found he is
good (as usual) because he does a lot of nuances and expression. I would
never suggest an interpreter to change his choice of a tempo, provided the
other parameters of his performance are consistent with the tempo he takes
(this not only for my music, of course). As for the lenght of the piece,
being its form an ancient Sonata, and being the 2nd section longer than the
first one, because of the digression at the beginning of the 2nd half, the
repetition of this latter could be missed (I recently heard Luigi Attademo
in concert at Mantova Festival, he did not repeat the 2nd part and his
performance was a very good one) if the intepreter on the single occasion
finds it unnecessary (it depends from situations...).
As for Bach, it is out of question: nothing in the style of the piece can
recall of the Kantor and the its association with any work of His depends
only from individual (and respectable) memories. It is true, instead, that
being the work of an Italian composer who speaks musically to Andrés Segovia
(sub specie aeternitatis), there are on a remote background the shadows of
the ancient Italian composers which the maestro liked: Girolamo Frescobaldi
and Domenico Scarlatti. Thankyou for all your observations and interest for
the work.

AG
Scott Daughtrey
2003-09-26 04:35:59 UTC
Permalink
On Fri, 26 Sep 2003 06:28:44 +0200, "Angelo Gilardino"
Post by Angelo Gilardino
It is true, instead, that
being the work of an Italian composer who speaks musically to Andrés Segovia
(sub specie aeternitatis)
Hmmmm...I wonder if this is similiar to Joe Diorio channeling musicians'
spirits when he improvises ? Audiences should appreciate the extra value for
their money. ;-p

Scott
Paulo Galvao
2003-09-26 08:45:47 UTC
Permalink
Post by Richard Yates
Thank you Angelo. By the way, nearly 200 rmcg readers have listened to the
mp3 of Angelo's new solo 'Colloquio con Andrés Segovia', but none have
commented on this wonderful piece. There is a delightful balance of
adventurous (but not radical) harmonic language in a clear, contrapuntal
context that, as with so much of Angelo's music, sits quite comfortably on
the guitar. All should look forward to the publication of this piece. If you
http://www.yatesguitar.com/misc/Colloquio.mp3 (4.8MB)
If you have listened to it, what do you think?
Richard
Beautiful and interesting work.
A wonderful challenge for classical guitarists.

Thank you for posting.

Paulo
Reza Ganjavi
2003-09-26 12:02:18 UTC
Permalink
I did comment Richard and thanked Angelo and you for this wonderful piece

:-)
--
Post by Richard Yates
Post by Angelo Gilardino
Post by John Wasak
Congratulations, Angelo. I look forward to hearing this sonata.
As well as the 'Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux' and 'La Casa
del Faro'. jw
I would like very much to publish these three Sonatas in one book,
including a CD with Richard Yates' emulations. His guitar sounfont
is impressive, and he knows very well how to elaborate the Finale
files into audio files. I am sure this would help a lot the
understanding of the music. Let's hope...
Thank you Angelo. By the way, nearly 200 rmcg readers have listened to the
mp3 of Angelo's new solo 'Colloquio con Andrés Segovia', but none have
commented on this wonderful piece. There is a delightful balance of
adventurous (but not radical) harmonic language in a clear, contrapuntal
context that, as with so much of Angelo's music, sits quite comfortably on
the guitar. All should look forward to the publication of this piece. If you
http://www.yatesguitar.com/misc/Colloquio.mp3 (4.8MB)
If you have listened to it, what do you think?
Richard
Larry Deack
2003-09-28 01:11:17 UTC
Permalink
"Angelo Gilardino"
Post by Angelo Gilardino
The first of these Sonatas, entitled
"Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux", has been written for and dedicated to
the young, outstanding Italian guitarist Lorenzo Micheli, who premiered it
on last August at Lagonegro Festival. After the premiere, I asked Lorenzo to
give me a bit of time to correct some points which I had thought of too
abstractly, and whose sound did not match my expectation (a guilt of the
composer, not of the excellent interpreter). I have just delivered to him
(he leaves today Italy for one of his USA tours) the updated version, and
after his new premiere I will send it to the Bèrben print.
I just talked a bit to Lorenzo after his masterclass at Cal State
Fullerton this morning. I remember talking to him about your music when he
was here for his GFA tour a few years ago and at that time he told me he did
not play your music. I was delighted to see this post and to see that he was
coming here to perform and give a masterclass so I attended both the concert
last night and the masterclass a few hours ago.

After the class today Lorenzo told me he thought your sonata was not ready
when he played it and that he really wanted to rework it, refinger it and
record it with the revisions you made. He said it was quite long, maybe
12-13 minutes, and very difficult but that the work was well worth the
effort since the music was of such a high quality. He also said that it
needs perhaps a year of his time to do it justice! - a year from a young man
who can sight-read most CG music better that many CG "teachers" can play it
after a year of work! I was so happy to see how highly he regarded your
sonata and that he was now working with you to bring this remarkable music
to others with a score and a recording.

A further joy to me was to see that you have written another sonata for
David Leisner and that it was inspired by the art of RMCG's very own JW. I'm
tickled pink to see that this computer technology has helped facilitate
these collaborations since I've long believed that was part of the potential
for RMCG and the related computer technologies.

The topper for me is that you are now working with Mark Delpriora on yet
another sonata. How wonderful for RMCG to be connected to such great
creative collaborations with such a talented group of people.

Congratulations Maestro, and thank you once again for the wonderful music
and the wonders to come from your continuing work.
Angelo Gilardino
2003-09-28 05:59:54 UTC
Permalink
Post by Larry Deack
After the class today Lorenzo told me he thought your sonata was not ready
when he played it and that he really wanted to rework it, refinger it and
record it with the revisions you made. He said it was quite long, maybe
12-13 minutes, and very difficult but that the work was well worth the
effort since the music was of such a high quality. He also said that it
needs perhaps a year of his time to do it justice! - a year from a young man
who can sight-read most CG music better that many CG "teachers" can play it
after a year of work! I was so happy to see how highly he regarded your
sonata and that he was now working with you to bring this remarkable music
to others with a score and a recording.
After the correction I did, the "Sonatine des fleurs et des oiseaux" can be
absorbed by a player of the stature of Lorenzo in three months. Such an
amount of time is needed mainly for memorization: the piece cannot be
performed in concert with reading from a stand. In the former version, no
matter how much time the interpreter would have devoted to the work, some
points of it would have always sounded unsatisfactory, because I wrote them
too virtually, without holding my feet on the ground.
Post by Larry Deack
A further joy to me was to see that you have written another sonata for
David Leisner and that it was inspired by the art of RMCG's very own JW. I'm
tickled pink to see that this computer technology has helped facilitate
these collaborations since I've long believed that was part of the potential
for RMCG and the related computer technologies.
You are right, Larry, without Internet I would have missed a lot. For
example, I would have had no chance to know of the Impressionist USA
painters -except the very famous ones whose names are reported in the
current art histories - those minor masters whose works are accessible just
locally, and which instead I am learning to appreciate and love thank to
Internet connection: you have a wonderful tradition for landscape painting!

Thankyou Larry for your words!

AG
Reza Ganjavi
2003-09-28 07:00:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by Angelo Gilardino
You are right, Larry, without Internet I would have missed a lot. For
example, I would have had no chance to know of the Impressionist USA
painters -except the very famous ones whose names are reported in the
current art histories - those minor masters whose works are accessible just
locally, and which instead I am learning to appreciate and love thank to
Internet connection: you have a wonderful tradition for landscape painting!
Thankyou Larry for your words!
AG
Indeed. Metropolitan museum of art in New York has the most incredible landscape paintings
of early settlers depicting the amazing scenary they witnessed bofore industrialisation.

This reminds me: where Larry lives which is where I used to live, used to be mostly orange
groves which have now turned into buildings and polluted streets.

Reza
John Wasak
2003-09-28 22:48:23 UTC
Permalink
Post by Angelo Gilardino
You are right, Larry, without Internet I would have missed a lot. For
example, I would have had no chance to know of the Impressionist USA
painters -except the very famous ones whose names are reported in the
current art histories - those minor masters whose works are accessible just
locally, and which instead I am learning to appreciate and love thank to
Internet connection: you have a wonderful tradition for landscape painting!
In case you haven't yet acquainted yourself with the Luminists, try this
page for a brief look (especially Martin J. Heade):
http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/kl/luminism.html

And George Inness too:
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/inness_george.html


jw
Angelo Gilardino
2003-09-29 02:05:55 UTC
Permalink
Post by John Wasak
In case you haven't yet acquainted yourself with the Luminists, try this
http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/kl/luminism.html
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/inness_george.html
jw
Thankyou!

AG
Alain Reiher
2003-09-29 03:05:48 UTC
Permalink
Ditto ditto!
What a discovery!
Thanks a million John.

Alain
Post by Angelo Gilardino
Post by John Wasak
In case you haven't yet acquainted yourself with the Luminists, try this
http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/kl/luminism.html
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/inness_george.html
jw
Thankyou!
AG
Loading...