The latest release from noted Canadian classical guitarists ChromaDuo is a splendid achievement.
Toronto-based ChromaDuo consists of Tracy Anne Smith and Rob MacDonald, two superb performers on the classical guitar. Over the past fifteen years they have built a solid reputation for their dedication to contemporary compositions. Their latest release, What I Saw In The Water, is their fourth on the venerable Naxos Records label, and showcases several pieces especially written for them by composers of the first order, such is their reputation for execution and interpretation. They’ve gained an international following after tours of Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Composers such as Simone Iannarelli, Sergio Assad, and the legendary South-American guitarist Leo Brouwer provided original recent original works, each of which is distinctive and melodic. A highlight of the recording for this listener was the contemplative “The Ghost of Peggy’s Cove”, composed by Dale Kavanagh (noted half of the Amadeus Guitar Duo). The closing 3-part suite is a memorial to jazz/classical performer Roland Dyens, and is a brilliant showcase for the duo’s flawless technique, a well as the verve they bring to the rhythmic drive inherent to Dyens’ own performances.
Several of the composers provided notes and commentary to accompany the release:
“This work for two guitars, in the form of a suite, is a promenade over seven iconic pictures of the famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Each piece tries to recreate the images, atmosphere, inside feelings or background of these works of Frida. “~ Simone Iannarelli
“The Circle Game for two guitars was composed expressly for Tracy Smith and Rob MacDonald, members of Canadian ChromaDuo. Their professionalism motivated me greatly to make this piece. The title The Circle Game comes literally from the book of the same name by Margaret Atwood, one of the most eminent writers of the last 50 years. ” ~ Leo Brouwer
“The Sonata No. 2 for two guitars was commissioned by ChromaDuo in 2013. The piece follows a customary scheme in four movements: the first movement is in the traditional sonata form; the second is a lyrical Andante; the third is a tongue-in- cheek humorous bagatelle and the last is a swing- infused fast-paced finale. Overall, the piece is a stylistic hybrid between contemporary classical music and jazz, which is apparent especially in the last two movements.” ~ Maria Livia São Marcos
“When they suggested that I write a piece on a ghost story, I immediately agreed. Maritimers love their ghost stories; in fact, I started to think that this could be the beginning of a series of pieces. The Ghost of Peggy’s Cove is one of the most famous ghost stories because of the famous lighthouse there.” ~ Dale Kavanagh
The recording sessions were produced by senior Canadian guitarist, teacher and producer Norbert Kraft, the head of the Naxos Records classical guitar program. The sonics are impeccable, the entire recording captivating.
Highly recommended.
