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The Herald Online
Superb Grace Concert in PE
ATTENDING a classical guitar performance on a Sunday afternoon brought
about a welcome change to the usual Port Elizabeth concert calendar,
and with it, a fresh crowd of faces.
It was indeed encouraging that the auditorium was uncharacteristically
full, which only bears testament to the fact that the city has a need
for more concerts of this genre.
Opening his performance with Garoto‘s Improviso and
Inspiração, Grace approached these
Brazilian works with an ease of phrase, and immense musicality.
Following this with three works by Barrios, he aptly displayed his
versatility through the combination of both lyrical and bravado
sections, including complex “appoggiaturas”.
Dazzling fingerwork could be heard in Sor‘s Variation
on a Theme by Mozart, which is based on Mozart‘s Marriage
of Figaro.
In complete contrast, Grace painted a beautiful Spanish vista in Two
Pieces from Suite Espanola, by piano composer Isaac Albeniz.
The audience was transported to Turkey, via the guitarist‘s
vivid interpretation of Carlo Domeniconi‘s Koyunbaba.
Based on “open tuning”, this piece was inspired by
Turkish instruments, and it’s growing excitement through four
movements was conveyed with great enthusiasm by this talented performer.
Grace is not only an acclaimed performer, but also a highly
sought–after teacher.
It was thus lovely to hear one of his students, Marc Rontsch, playing
alongside his tutor in Cardoso‘s Milonga.
A highlight of the afternoon was without a doubt
Carlos-Jobim‘s Garota de Ipanema,
portrayed by Grace with great improvisatory enthusiasm.
One can only hope that Port Elizabeth will continue to host concerts of
such diverse nature, and that this celebrated artist will again grace
our stages in future.
The Herald Online, 2008