Transclassical Concertos
Academy Of St. Martin, 2023
8/10
Listen to Transclassical Concertos
A project that brings together Lucia Caruso’s exceptional piano and Pedro H. Da Silva’s stunning Portuguese guitar, the 2 Transclassical Concertos present pull influence from classical music, improvisation, and pieces from various cultures and eras, and it features the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and conductor Bruce O’Neil.
Light And Wind Piano Concertos begins the listen with Caruso’s glowing keys adding a unique dreaminess to da Silva’s radiant guitar tone, as both rumbling and intimate moments comprise the rich and cinematic textures of the diverse 3 chapters.
Concerto For Portuguese Guitar And Orchestra then follows, and presents playful moments of animated string interaction amid the booming percussion, although the middle movement, “Night”, is quite gentle and stirring in its reflective mood that highlights da Silva’s meticulous guitar.
The final piece is particularly interesting, where the elegant strings and bright guitar of George Harrison’s “Here Comes The Sun” also recruits Tomo Keller’s solo violin for the cultured and cozy exit.
A highly colorful and technical body of work, the nature themes are certainly appreciated, and the worldly rhythms and harmonies won’t go unnoticed, either.
Travels well with: Paola Prestini/Mark Campbell- Edward Tulane; Plinio Fernades- Bacheando