From Spain to São Paulo
Zoho, 2022
8/10
Listen to From Spain to São Paulo
A master guitar player, João Luiz brings his Brazilian classical roots to a very well executed listen that pays homage to Spanish composers who were very much involved with creating the 19th and 20th century repertoire for guitar.
“Fantasia, Op. 7: Largo non tanto” opens the listen with Luiz’s expressive and warm progressions making for a very inviting lead off track, and this glides right into “Minueto Op. 25”, where quicker fretboard acrobatics mesmerize us.
Further into the listen, “Suite Compostelena” unfolds across six movements, where cinematic bouts, reflective moments, and much grace is present and appreciated, while Andrés Segovia’s “Oracion” emits a stirring intimacy as Luiz manipulates his instrument flawlessly.
The final pieces, by Federico Moreno Torroba, are “Aires de la Mancha”, and they illustrate very quick finger acrobatics and a glorious execution that makes such an impression, it alone is worth the price of admission.
An extremely absorbing body of work, Luiz’s delivery is full of unparalleled beauty, and an often dream-like landscape that brings new life into these time honored pieces.
Travels well with: Albare & Co.- Freedom; Doug MacDonald- Overtones