If you are in the North West of the UK and want to liven up your lunchtime this Thursday, 15th October, then why not go to a concert.
It is the last chance to see Robin perform in the UK this year, so if you can make it, the place to be is St. Andrews & St. George's Church.
Lunch will be served from midday and the concert starts promptly at 12.45, finishing at 1.30.
The programme will include Renaissance Lute Pieces, Tarrega, Dilermando Reis, Iradier, Sabicas and some traditional flamenco, so is an ideal way to brighten up your Thursday.
Showing posts with label Sabicas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sabicas. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
An Unexpected Concert and the Palau de la Musica Catalana
Robin had an eventful first few days on the Queen Victoria.
Three concerts in three days, one of which came as rather a surprise.
After settling in, his first performance went very well, with a particularly good response from the audience to the three pieces by Dilermando Reis, and 'Zapateado', by Sabicas.
On the second day Robin couldn't understand why people kept saying they were looking forward to his concert - later. (He was lying on a sun lounger reading Sherlock Holmes at the time...)
As far as he was aware this was a day of rest and rehearsal.
Eventually, he returned to his room only to receive a frantic 'phone call.
There had been some sort of schedule mix up and he was asked to play an extra performance that very day - in an hours time.
Actually, I'm quite pleased I wasn't in the vicinity when he took the call...
Luckily Robin has four complete programmes at his fingertips at the moment, so he rushed off to warm up and prepare for this unexpected concert.
Despite the short notice the performance went very well, as did the one the following day.
Since then Robin has had plenty of time to recover.
He arrived in Barcelona and made straight for the 'Palau de la Musica Catalana'.
The reason for his interest, was not only the stunning building, but also because this was the venue for the premiere of Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez', back in 1940.
He thoroughly enjoyed his day soaking up the history and only detoured to a guitar shop he has visited once before. (Mainly because it was nearby and Robin can't resist any guitar shop, but also because he has been there once before and discovered they stock copies of his book, 'The Guitar Gymnasium'.)
Since then he has been to Monte-Carlo, well actually a port not far away as the weather was too bad to dock in Monte-Carlo itself, and then to Civitavecchia.
Today he should have been in Alghero, Sardinia, but once again the weather has thwarted plans and the QV is unable to dock.
This is rather a shame as Alghero looks very nice and is also one of the few places Robin hasn't been to before.
Never mind. Maybe next time.
Three concerts in three days, one of which came as rather a surprise.
After settling in, his first performance went very well, with a particularly good response from the audience to the three pieces by Dilermando Reis, and 'Zapateado', by Sabicas.
On the second day Robin couldn't understand why people kept saying they were looking forward to his concert - later. (He was lying on a sun lounger reading Sherlock Holmes at the time...)
As far as he was aware this was a day of rest and rehearsal.
Eventually, he returned to his room only to receive a frantic 'phone call.
There had been some sort of schedule mix up and he was asked to play an extra performance that very day - in an hours time.
Actually, I'm quite pleased I wasn't in the vicinity when he took the call...
Luckily Robin has four complete programmes at his fingertips at the moment, so he rushed off to warm up and prepare for this unexpected concert.
Despite the short notice the performance went very well, as did the one the following day.
Since then Robin has had plenty of time to recover.
He arrived in Barcelona and made straight for the 'Palau de la Musica Catalana'.
The reason for his interest, was not only the stunning building, but also because this was the venue for the premiere of Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez', back in 1940.
He thoroughly enjoyed his day soaking up the history and only detoured to a guitar shop he has visited once before. (Mainly because it was nearby and Robin can't resist any guitar shop, but also because he has been there once before and discovered they stock copies of his book, 'The Guitar Gymnasium'.)
Since then he has been to Monte-Carlo, well actually a port not far away as the weather was too bad to dock in Monte-Carlo itself, and then to Civitavecchia.
Today he should have been in Alghero, Sardinia, but once again the weather has thwarted plans and the QV is unable to dock.
This is rather a shame as Alghero looks very nice and is also one of the few places Robin hasn't been to before.
Never mind. Maybe next time.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Concert in Mugdock
Mugdock Country Park was the beautiful setting for a highly successful concert last night.
As predicted, the venue was sold out well in advance, which always bodes well for an appreciative audience.
Robin wasn't disappointed.
It was one of those nights when all factors seemed to fall into place.
Not just musically with a lovely programme including pieces by, Tarrega, Sor, Brouwer, Dyens, Albeniz and Sabicas. Not to mention some of Robin's own compositions, one being 'Return to Islay', which he composed after being inspired by the beautiful island of Islay on a previous Scottish tour.
This piece he dedicated to the memory of an old friend, and previous manager, Dave Barnes, who had first introduced Robin to Mugdock, and seen him perform there many times.
Some of his family and friends were present and a few tears were shed during this tranquil and evocative piece.
But equally as important as the music are the spoken introductions.
It's vital that any artist engages with their audience to create a wonderful and entertaining evening.
As I have said previously here on the blog, luckily for Robin, he is quite at ease with this aspect of his performance.
That isn't to say he doesn't invest a lot of time and energy researching the pieces he is playing, and deciding the points of interest which may just add that little bit more to the audiences enjoyment.
Alongside short discussions about the techniques employed in certain pieces this makes for interesting listening for guitarists and non-guitarists alike.
There was one difficult moment for Robin, right at the beginning of the concert, in the first piece, Malaguena.
Part way through his false thumb nail flew off.
Regular readers will know this happens from time to time.
On this occasion he was able to complete the piece and the offending nail was pointed out to him by some of the more observant members of the audience.
He retrieved it and re glued it into position all whilst introducing the next piece.
Many of the audience spoke to him after the concert which is always a nice way to receive feedback.
Then it was back to the hotel before a quick dash to a local pub to partake in a little post concert relaxation.
Now he is home but not for long.
Packing is underway for an exciting trip next week.
Although Robin does find it difficult spending such a lot of time away from home, even he is looking forward to this one.
It will be a first for him and you will just have to keep checking in to find out where he is and what he is doing......
As predicted, the venue was sold out well in advance, which always bodes well for an appreciative audience.
Robin wasn't disappointed.
It was one of those nights when all factors seemed to fall into place.
Not just musically with a lovely programme including pieces by, Tarrega, Sor, Brouwer, Dyens, Albeniz and Sabicas. Not to mention some of Robin's own compositions, one being 'Return to Islay', which he composed after being inspired by the beautiful island of Islay on a previous Scottish tour.
This piece he dedicated to the memory of an old friend, and previous manager, Dave Barnes, who had first introduced Robin to Mugdock, and seen him perform there many times.
Some of his family and friends were present and a few tears were shed during this tranquil and evocative piece.
But equally as important as the music are the spoken introductions.
It's vital that any artist engages with their audience to create a wonderful and entertaining evening.
As I have said previously here on the blog, luckily for Robin, he is quite at ease with this aspect of his performance.
That isn't to say he doesn't invest a lot of time and energy researching the pieces he is playing, and deciding the points of interest which may just add that little bit more to the audiences enjoyment.
Alongside short discussions about the techniques employed in certain pieces this makes for interesting listening for guitarists and non-guitarists alike.
There was one difficult moment for Robin, right at the beginning of the concert, in the first piece, Malaguena.
Part way through his false thumb nail flew off.
Regular readers will know this happens from time to time.
On this occasion he was able to complete the piece and the offending nail was pointed out to him by some of the more observant members of the audience.
He retrieved it and re glued it into position all whilst introducing the next piece.
Many of the audience spoke to him after the concert which is always a nice way to receive feedback.
Then it was back to the hotel before a quick dash to a local pub to partake in a little post concert relaxation.
Now he is home but not for long.
Packing is underway for an exciting trip next week.
Although Robin does find it difficult spending such a lot of time away from home, even he is looking forward to this one.
It will be a first for him and you will just have to keep checking in to find out where he is and what he is doing......
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
First Day at Sea - First Concert
Yesterday Robin performed the first of two guitar concerts on board the QM2.
It took place in the 'Royal Court Theatre', which seats 1000, and on this occasion the theatre was full.
It isn't often that Robin is enthusiastic about his own performance, he's usually highly critical of his playing, but he was pleased yesterday.
There was one 'nail' incident, which regular readers will know happens from time to time, and is always a guitarists nightmare.
It was severe enough to actually stop playing, the nail literally became unstuck, and if Robin had continued, it would probably have flown off into the audience.
He was playing 'Zapateado' by Sabicas at the time.
He felt the nail give way.
Stopped.
Explained what had happened, and generally chatted to the audience, whilst he re-glued it.
Then started again, completed the piece, and was rewarded with a standing ovation.
He actually received another one at the end of the concert, so I think we can assume that the audience enjoyed it.
Later on he met a gentleman who thanked him for a "great" concert and went on to say, "I wanted to shout, quick, is there a manicurist in the house??!!"
As the concert was held at 2.30 in the afternoon, Robin went off and celebrated with a large bottle of Perrier, followed swiftly by a strong coffee.
At least that's what he told me...
It took place in the 'Royal Court Theatre', which seats 1000, and on this occasion the theatre was full.
It isn't often that Robin is enthusiastic about his own performance, he's usually highly critical of his playing, but he was pleased yesterday.
There was one 'nail' incident, which regular readers will know happens from time to time, and is always a guitarists nightmare.
It was severe enough to actually stop playing, the nail literally became unstuck, and if Robin had continued, it would probably have flown off into the audience.
He was playing 'Zapateado' by Sabicas at the time.
He felt the nail give way.
Stopped.
Explained what had happened, and generally chatted to the audience, whilst he re-glued it.
Then started again, completed the piece, and was rewarded with a standing ovation.
He actually received another one at the end of the concert, so I think we can assume that the audience enjoyed it.
Later on he met a gentleman who thanked him for a "great" concert and went on to say, "I wanted to shout, quick, is there a manicurist in the house??!!"
As the concert was held at 2.30 in the afternoon, Robin went off and celebrated with a large bottle of Perrier, followed swiftly by a strong coffee.
At least that's what he told me...
Monday, March 10, 2008
Cars (Fiesta), Boats (1st Concert) and Trains (Honegger)
It has been rather a strange weekend. Email contact has been minimal due to extortionate costs, and 'phone calls intermittent, so I'll pass on as much as I can, given limited information.
Robin gave his first concert on Saturday and played a lovely programme which was very well received.
Here's an example of some of the pieces he played:
Malaguena - (Trad. Arr. Hill)
Six Renaissance Lute Pieces - (Arr.Chilesotti revised Hill)
(Andante - Bianco fiore - Danza - Galiarda - Se Lo M'Accorgo - Saterello)
Three Tarrega pieces
El Noy de la Mare (Trad.Arr.Llobet)
Three Pieces by Dilermando Reis
(Conversa da Baiana - Si Ela Perguntar - Xodo da Baiana)
La Paloma (Iradier - Arr.Tarrega)
Zapateado -Sabicas
Some of these can be heard on 'Virtuoso', so follow the link if you want to have a listen.
I've been amused over the last few days by the number of people finding this site with searches, 'Ford Fiesta how to buy', and 'How to repair n/s front wing fiesta'.
I only hope that whoever has had an accident in their Fiesta, gained some comfort from listening to Robin's piece, 'Fiesta de Xabia', and weren't too disappointed at the lack of car repair information!
Also, today would have been Arthur Honegger's birthday, so I'm going to go off and listen to 'Pacific 231' in his honour.
Robin gave his first concert on Saturday and played a lovely programme which was very well received.
Here's an example of some of the pieces he played:
Malaguena - (Trad. Arr. Hill)
Six Renaissance Lute Pieces - (Arr.Chilesotti revised Hill)
(Andante - Bianco fiore - Danza - Galiarda - Se Lo M'Accorgo - Saterello)
Three Tarrega pieces
El Noy de la Mare (Trad.Arr.Llobet)
Three Pieces by Dilermando Reis
(Conversa da Baiana - Si Ela Perguntar - Xodo da Baiana)
La Paloma (Iradier - Arr.Tarrega)
Zapateado -Sabicas
Some of these can be heard on 'Virtuoso', so follow the link if you want to have a listen.
I've been amused over the last few days by the number of people finding this site with searches, 'Ford Fiesta how to buy', and 'How to repair n/s front wing fiesta'.
I only hope that whoever has had an accident in their Fiesta, gained some comfort from listening to Robin's piece, 'Fiesta de Xabia', and weren't too disappointed at the lack of car repair information!
Also, today would have been Arthur Honegger's birthday, so I'm going to go off and listen to 'Pacific 231' in his honour.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Sabicas, Savarez Strings and the Suitcase
A day of preparation and packing for another trip abroad.
However first Robin had to go and buy a new suitcase.
His old one, which he hasn't had that long, was beyond repair.
Some months ago the lock was broken by an over enthusiastic security guard, and, since then, has been held together with a Savarez guitar string.
See a previous post, 'The Many and Varied Uses of Savarez Guitar Strings...', for other applications of the many thousands of used strings we have.
But, on Robin's last trip, the handle of his case also broke, beyond repair of even the strongest guitar string, hence the need to purchase a new case.
That is now done and all I have to do is fill it with clothes.
Robin meanwhile took himself off to the recording studio to try out a new flamenco technique he's been working on.
He recorded 'Zapateado', by Sabicas, to put his new hand position through its paces.
Recording yourself, and then listening back, is an excellent aid to improving technique and interpretation.
It's also a great way of immersing yourself in your music to try and forget the prospect of yet another flight.
However first Robin had to go and buy a new suitcase.
His old one, which he hasn't had that long, was beyond repair.
Some months ago the lock was broken by an over enthusiastic security guard, and, since then, has been held together with a Savarez guitar string.
See a previous post, 'The Many and Varied Uses of Savarez Guitar Strings...', for other applications of the many thousands of used strings we have.
But, on Robin's last trip, the handle of his case also broke, beyond repair of even the strongest guitar string, hence the need to purchase a new case.
That is now done and all I have to do is fill it with clothes.
Robin meanwhile took himself off to the recording studio to try out a new flamenco technique he's been working on.
He recorded 'Zapateado', by Sabicas, to put his new hand position through its paces.
Recording yourself, and then listening back, is an excellent aid to improving technique and interpretation.
It's also a great way of immersing yourself in your music to try and forget the prospect of yet another flight.
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