|
1994 : Classic Guitar Society of Auckland |
Review - Classic Guitar Society of Auckland Newsletter, December 1994
"Where to from here?" one might ask, now that Bruce Paine has reached his latest performance peak. His recital on Sunday night (November 6, Knox Church) left no doubt that Bruce is now a big fish in a small pond.
Playing his own arrangement, he gave a presentation of Bach's E major Lute Suite (BMV 1006a) that was as powerful as it was fresh to the ear. Ornamentation, though not invasive, was lute-like and perfectly under control. Voicing was well defined and well contrasted, an achievement deriving from both the arrangement and the virtuosity of the performer.
It was not to Bruce's detriment that the "killer" Bouree hung him up momentarily in the first phrases; he was immediately back in action, the hiatus behind him. The suite was beautifully played and real justice was done to a fine and famous work.
The second half of the recital (played without an interval) was Manuel Ponce's 20 "Variations on La Folia de Espana" - plus the Fugue on the same theme. The work is a fascinating foray into musical possibilities and proved a perfect showcase for Bruce's highly-developed talents of musicianship, workmanship and memory ! The theme quickly becomes remote as the guitarist advances through the work -there are not too many melodic clues to assist recall of the score.
The Fugue is an energetic Hispanic sampler of characteristics from the variations, rocket-blasted back to the original theme -a great sensual experience for the hearer when performed well, and well-performed it was. It was an hour of pleasure for Bruce Paine's small audience and an hour of glory for Bruce.
Helen Cullen |
