Pepe Romero & I Solisti di Zagreb: Concierto Festivo (review)

When The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) was planning its 100^th anniversary celebration in 2003 it commissioned Ernesto Cordero to compose a new musical work for the event. Cordero, a New Yorker by birth, was raised in Puerto Rico and had taught musical composition and guitar performance at UPR. The work that Cordero eventually presented was Concierto festivo, a composition for chamber orchestra and guitar, which he dedicated to the classical guitar virtuoso Pepe Romero.

In 2011, Mel Bay Productions released a DVD of a performance of this concerto featuring Pepe Romero as soloist with the Croatian chamber orchestra, I Solisti di Zagreb. Unfortunately there are no interviews or "extras" included on the DVD. It is just the 25-minute performance of the concerto. However, those are 25 minutes packed with vibrant new music performed by outstanding musicians.

Pepe Romero is an excellent choice to serve as soloist for this new concerto. His presence here brings an air of distinction and legitimacy to the entire endeavor. Romero is widely considered one of the finest classical guitarists of our time. He was knighted by the King of Spain (where Romero was born) for his noteworthy contributions to the world of music through his magnificent guitar performing. He has also served as Professor of Guitar at the University of Southern California.

Romero's performance in this DVD is impeccable. His flamenco-style strumming (known as "rasgueado") is robust, clean and crisply articulate. His tone has a clear, rich sonority which he is able to project with powerful focus. This type of masterful playing brings a wonderful touch of class and importance to this new concerto.

This work's three movements (Allegro elegante, Adagio con possesione, and Enérgico) offer truly pleasurable listening in a setting which is very appropriate for the 100^th anniversary piece for UPR. The syncopated Caribbean rhythms used throughout the work reflect the music of modern Puerto Rico while the guitar playing style and melodies often remind the listener of old Spain reflecting the island's history.

The DVD's varying camera angles allow the viewer to observe the most important aspects of the performance from the best possible vantage points. Wide angles are used when all the ensemble members are contributing. Conversely, close-up shots are presented with great effectiveness to reveal the masterful technique of the featured musicians. This is especially true when the camera allows us to see the intricate, intimate artistry of Romero's guitar playing. Thankfully the quality editing of the video provides seamless and tasteful changes from one camera angle to another which enhances rather than interferes with the enjoyment of the performance.

Sound quality on this DVD is also excellent. The rich depth of tone of the double bass and the pointed articulation of the Spanish-style guitar playing are all easily heard in clear contrast. Actually, it is specifically that contrast between the sustain of the bowed strings versus the abrupt report of the guitar's plucked strings (especially during the flamenco-like passages) that draws the listener's attention to this wonderful combination of divergent sounds.

This is a wonderful and welcome collaboration between participants who are just right for their roles. The composer has a thorough knowledge of not only the ethnic music of the region being recognized, but he also has an exhaustive understanding of how the solo instrument (the guitar) functions. When this masterfully written composition is combined with Romero's fiery Spanish guitar playing and I Solisti's capable commitment to follow wherever the guitarist may lead, the result is stunningly beautiful.

This DVD would be a welcome addition to almost any library's collection. It would be especially appropriate for libraries where the patrons have interests in modern composition, works for chamber orchestra, classical guitar, or the music of Latin America.