Vicente AmigoSat 15 Aug – Festival international de Hammamet
Coming back to the concerts I've attended this summer, I'll begin my reviews by -what I can call- "2009 summer discovery" .. for me at least, as it seems that Vicente Amigo is not only known worldwide, but also concidered - now days - as one of the best "Guitar flamenca" players & "nuevo flamenco" composers
Till that date, the concept of "nuevo flamenco" was unknown for me.. & the Idea I formally had about "flamenco" is that kind of folk-ethnic festive music I've listened to on recordings & even when I went to spain -some years ago -
the Flamenco presents also some close similitude in rythms & modes with tunisian & maghreb's traditionnal music -since an important part of our ancestors are andalusian moor or morisco immigrants who came around the "Reconquesta"-
What I heard & seen before in flamenco was also based mainly on vocals & dance.. although some classical occidental music works have also been inspired by flamenco rythms & topics.. Vicente Amigo's works - in contrast - emphasis more on the musical creation rather on the "folk show".. the guitar stands so majestic through his rich melodies & high technique.. the percussionnnal speech is so various & nicely introduced.. the vocal contribution is minimalistic, making his compositions easily "digested" even for those whom are not accustomed with the “frenzy” of flamenco's vocalism
The night of the 15th August has been that of exeptionnel conveniences..an exeptionel site, a clement weather, a tasteful attendance, & mostly.. a musical performance of high level
Although open air scenes are not so perfect for careful listening, Hammamet's Open Air Theater have other assets that made me "sensually saturated" that night.. music has became just a part of a beautiful "canvas"
..the scent of eucalyptus & laurel flowers coming from the surrounding bay.. the moon's light reflecting off the sea surface, just behind the scene.. the sea waves whispering when guitar stands in solo..& even the conception of benchs that offer a clear & close panoramic view of artist's scene -like in antique greek theaters-
the concert began by a 20 mn astonishing solo on the guitar flamenca, then came the second guitar, percussions & vocals in a sweet program, alterning romantism & frenzy.. sadness & joy..rythms going crescendo & others going decrescendo.. all with a complete amity that you can see clearly in their crossed glances
..A memorable night for a virtuoso musician !
Coming back to the concerts I've attended this summer, I'll begin my reviews by -what I can call- "2009 summer discovery" .. for me at least, as it seems that Vicente Amigo is not only known worldwide, but also concidered - now days - as one of the best "Guitar flamenca" players & "nuevo flamenco" composers
Till that date, the concept of "nuevo flamenco" was unknown for me.. & the Idea I formally had about "flamenco" is that kind of folk-ethnic festive music I've listened to on recordings & even when I went to spain -some years ago -
the Flamenco presents also some close similitude in rythms & modes with tunisian & maghreb's traditionnal music -since an important part of our ancestors are andalusian moor or morisco immigrants who came around the "Reconquesta"-
What I heard & seen before in flamenco was also based mainly on vocals & dance.. although some classical occidental music works have also been inspired by flamenco rythms & topics.. Vicente Amigo's works - in contrast - emphasis more on the musical creation rather on the "folk show".. the guitar stands so majestic through his rich melodies & high technique.. the percussionnnal speech is so various & nicely introduced.. the vocal contribution is minimalistic, making his compositions easily "digested" even for those whom are not accustomed with the “frenzy” of flamenco's vocalism
The night of the 15th August has been that of exeptionnel conveniences..an exeptionel site, a clement weather, a tasteful attendance, & mostly.. a musical performance of high level
Although open air scenes are not so perfect for careful listening, Hammamet's Open Air Theater have other assets that made me "sensually saturated" that night.. music has became just a part of a beautiful "canvas"
..the scent of eucalyptus & laurel flowers coming from the surrounding bay.. the moon's light reflecting off the sea surface, just behind the scene.. the sea waves whispering when guitar stands in solo..& even the conception of benchs that offer a clear & close panoramic view of artist's scene -like in antique greek theaters-
the concert began by a 20 mn astonishing solo on the guitar flamenca, then came the second guitar, percussions & vocals in a sweet program, alterning romantism & frenzy.. sadness & joy..rythms going crescendo & others going decrescendo.. all with a complete amity that you can see clearly in their crossed glances
..A memorable night for a virtuoso musician !
