Harold Gretton Concert Series 2020

ABOUT THIS CONCERT:

Classical guitarist Harold Gretton brings a diverse mix of masterpieces to life with an interpretive approach founded as much on raw passion as on thorough research. Not only interested in discovering new repertoire, he is equally at home rediscovering older classics. His unique vision is enriched by historical information in all of the virtuoso works he performs.

This program begins with the classical elegance of Fernando Sor, whose Variations of a Theme by Mozart has earned its place as one of the favourites of the repertoire. It continues with a work by Sor's star pupil, Napoléon Coste, who wrote what is certainly one of the most charming works of the 19th Century, the Rondeau de Concert.

The centerpiece of the program will be a tour of modern guitar writing, starting with the highly-evocative Cloudforms by much-loved Richard Charlton. The Prince's Toys by Russian Nikita Kishkon provides a bleak and dramatic contrast, and is followed by Samuel Smith's Mutant Frames of Reference, a 21st Century take on the Romantic virtuosity of composers like Coste.

The vibrant virtuosity of Paraguayan Augustin Barrios closes the program, leaving us with a couple of melodies to sing long after the concert finishes.

PROGRAM

Fernando Sor (1778-1839) - Introduction and Variations on a theme from the Magic Flute op.9

Napoléon Coste (1805-1883) - Rondeau de Concert op.12

Richard Charlton (*1955) - Cloudforms

- Cumulus Dance

- Silver Stratus

- Ring around the moon

- Cloudburst (after the Drought)

Nikita Koshkin (*1956) - The Prince's Toys

- The Mischievous Prince

- The Mechanical Monkey

- The Doll with the Blinking Eyes

- The Tin Soldiers

- The Prince's Coach

Samuel Smith (*1984) - Mutant Frames of Reference

Augustín Barrios Mangoré (1885-1944) - Two Miniatures

- Julia Florida (Barcarola)

- Vals op.8 no.4