David Leisner, one of the most
illustrious American guitarists, was presented by Guitar Plus at Symphony Space
on the evening of September 12, 2014. Joined by his friends Tara O’Connor,
flute and Philippe Quint, violin, it was titled “Sonic Stories,” perhaps a bit
heavy in its divertissements.
Opening with a quaint
period transcription of Rossini’s La
Gazza Ladra Overture for the three musicians, any uncertainty in regards to
direction and overplaying were dispelled in Ned Rorem’s duo for flute and guitar
Romeo and Juliet; so transparent at
times to be thin. Ms. O’Connor played as lovingly as she was dressed. In the
other duo, Osvaldo Golijov’s Fish Tale,
one might wish for a more colorful poisson, or a bigger tank. Concluding with a
lively reading of Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango with the violin, these four
movements can wear out their welcome. Mr. Quint played with dash, his style
splashy as his shoes were shiny.
Mr. Leisner was featured
as a collaborator, superb to a fault, perhaps. It brought back memories of his
all-Britten program last autumn in the same hall with tenor Rufus Miller, which
won my vote as the most moving and memorable recital of the season. These
artists drenched us in the glorious fruits of tenderness, loss and sorrow
intrinsic to this music. Their Sally
Gardens encore was beyond the sphere of comparison. Their efforts did not
have the intimacy of an embrace, nor a handshake; but a hand on the shoulder
with a gaze into each others’ eyes as if into a mirror.
Ms. O’Connor and Mr. Quint
did not always share in the guitarist’s debonair elegance, nor in his old world
high-towering love of comrades kind of warmth.
We are lucky to have
David Leisner ensconced in Manhattan. Last June at the Barge he gave the third NYC
performance of David Del Tredici’s Facts of Life. If this 40 minute unidiomatic
work in a conservative language does not fit this solo guitarist’s hands like a
glove quite yet; rest assured, he is the worthy champion, dedicatee and
commissioner. This work might benefit from some editing. The many olés! enthusiastically shouted by the
performer at the end of the suite could be pruned, or exclaimed by an optional
dancer, or by the audience roused and cued by his partner!
David Leisner next plays in Manhattan at March 28th
at the 92nd Street Y. Highly
recommended.
~CrackCritic
