Serbian classical guitarist Aleksandra Ivanović issues her stunning debut solo album ‘Ivanović plays Ivanović’, a must-hear for fans of classical guitar.
Serbian guitarist and leading guitar professor Aleksandra Ivanović has recently released her debut solo album:“Ivanović Plays Ivanović”. In her own words, she views this recording ” as a kind of anthology of guitar music by composer Vojislav Ivanovic with whom I perform in Levante Guitar Duo for more than 15 years. Fans of classical guitar music may be familiar with Vojislav’s work through Café Pieces, Sonata and English Concerto, performed by Zoran Dukic, Denis Azabagic and other world-renowned guitarists.”
From her personal website (beautifully designed by Aleksandra herself), I quote: “Born in Belgrade, Aleksandra showed an early and diverse talent for music. She started learning piano at the age of six and eventually graduated both piano and classical singing from the primary music school. After short studies in Jazz singing her interest turned to guitar and she continued her studies in classical guitar at the Belgrade Music Academy where she obtained BA and Master degrees in guitar performance with distinction. She won several national and international competitions.”
She and her husband have performed internationally to rave reviews, in Portugal as well as three extensive U.S. tours in recent years. Their duo album from 2017, was entitled Levantine Journey and received enthusiastic reviews from several quarters. Aleksandra’s own career, as performer and teacher, clearly called for an album of her own, with all compositions created by her partner/husband Vojislave: hence the title of the album.
From the opening notes of the first track “Circus Valse”, it is clear that Aleksandra exhibits both a prodigious command of the instrument as well as an innate musicality that draws in the listener. One need not be a fan of classical guitar to appreciate the quality of sound she evokes from the guitar, but also the quality of composition. This is a delightful beginning to a journey of memorable music.
The second cut “Cafe 5 Nostalgia” demonstrates an enviable tremolo as well as immaculate tone, while the third track “Lullaby for a Little Princess” is a lovely track with all the desired tenderness suggested in the title. The fourth, entitled “Cafe 4 ~ a Funny Valse”, is highly reminiscent of traditional Spanish composers in the manner of Tarrega and is deeply entertaining in both senses of the phrase: entertaining and substantial. More serious matters emerge in the complex composition of “Elegy of the Adreamed House”, where sparkling technique complements the varied structure of the piece from beginning to end.
A beautiful sadness abounds in both the aptly-named “Cafe 2 ~ Cafe Tear Prelude” and the piece that follows: “Lament, the latter a slower, deeply thoughtful performance.
Other outstanding tracks include Cafe 1 “Cafe Tango” and the moving “Night in Miami”, both characterized by Aleksandra’s pristine tone and natural elegance.
All in all, this recording marks a stunning solo debut by a first-rate musician, in the performance of material that is second-to-none on the contemporary classical guitar scene. Special mention must be made of the exceptional production quality of the album, which can only be a reflection of the artist herself. Here’s hoping that Aleksandra and her equally talented husband Vojislav find their way back to North America once again. I would be among the first to order up tickets should Vancouver find a place in their schedule.
