Friday, December 10, 2010

The Friday Phonograph


The Many Voices of a Bach Fugue
Come to Life on Solo Guitar

by Anne French



Whenever I hear guitarist/conductor Angel Romero play the music of Bach, I am tempted to call him the Glenn Gould of the Guitar. This Friday's Phonograph pick - Romero playing the Fugue from Bach's Sonata for Unaccompanied Violin, BWV 1003 - is but one example of that Gouldian touch. Just as Gould was known for bringing out the inner voices of a complex fugue, Romero clearly articulates every voice in this opus. His skillful use of tempo and dynamics produces sharp linear definition; yet through perfectly placed accents and subtle changes in color, the dominant voice is never lost. Finally there is Romero's breathtaking mastery of his instrument that one has come to expect from the world renowned artist. This performance is a real tour de force that is flawlessly executed... a fine beginning to the weekend.

1 comment:

Rodney Punt said...

Gorgeous, Anne. The Romeros are remarkable and they certainly have an Angel driving them on to their best. Thanks for sharing this one.