Guitarist demonstrates virtuosity at Meredith College concert

The News and Observer, Raleigh, N.C., Mon., May 5
Music review

In a stunning concert of compositions from five centuries, Canadian-born guitarist Edward Stephenson played for a small audience at Clara Caswell Concert Hall, Meredith College, Sunday afternoon. A graduate of the School of the Arts, Stephenson is on a Southern concert tour. He will appear in Knoxville, Tenn., May 9 and also offer a master class at that time.

Two graceful Pavans from the 16th century’s Luis Milan led into a skillful transcription of Isaac Albeniz’s popular piano piece, “Asturias,” from the early 20th century. The intricate fingering and delicate nuances showed the young artist’s perfect control. He followed with a guitar transcription of Bach’s “Prelude-Presto” from the Third Lute Suite. The first part of the program closed with an adaptation of Paganini’s “Sonata Op. 3, No. 6” originally for guitar and violin. The young artist commented that the guitar part of the duet had been fairly easy, but it was obvious to the listeners that the combination, for guitar alone, was extremely difficult. Flying fingers and completely crisp sounds showed his total mastery of the instrument.

In a refreshing change of pace, Stephenson opened the second part of the concert with two 20th century compositions by Augustin Barrios. The first, “Julia Florida-Barcarola,” was a romantic and melodic boat song. The second, more somber and almost Greek in its modality, was titled (in English) “An Aim for the Love of God.” Marco Giuliani’s “Sonata Eroica,” from the early 19th century, was truly heroic in its feeling and interpretation. Strong chords, with contrasting moments of calm, showed the guitarist’s great versatility. It was followed by a “Prelude” from nearly a hundred years later, by Francisco Tarrega. His “Recuerdos de la Alhambra” was very Spanish in feeling and characterized, as were all the other numbers, by fantastic technique.

The concert closed with three “Etudes: 7, 8 and 12,” by Hector Villa-Lobos. It probably was the most demanding of all the works chosen. Comments from the audience included such phrases as “totally awesome” and “incredible.” Edward Stephenson is a superb musician and will soon be widely recognized as one of America’s most promising young performers.

— PEGGY HOFFMANN