Dave Smith, guitar

Press, 27 September 1985, Page 4

Dave Smith, guitar

Dave Smith (classical guitar) in recital at the C.S.A.' Gallery, September 26, 12.10 p.m. Reviewed by Philip Norman. Many experiences await the unsuspecting concertgoer. One of the most bizarre must surely be that of arriving at a venue as a member of the audience, and leaving an hour or so later as an artist, having successfully given a solo programme of works. This happened to Dave Smith, a classical guitarist, yesterday lunchtime. Minutes before the starting time of the concert, the advertised artist, a lutenist, felt unwell and found it necessary to cancel his appearance. For Dave Smith, who generously offered to appear as a replacement artist, this led to a quick sprint home to collect his instrument, a hurried tune-

up, and the beginning of a pleasing recital, barely five minutes after the scheduled time. Fortuitously, this accomplished guitarist had at his fingertips a varied and imaginative repertoire. This he presented, entirely from memory, with style and assurance.

To be sure, his playing was forgivably uneven in places, particularly in the out-of-breath opening items. Nevertheless, it featured some finely crafted accounts of classic pieces such as Tarrega’s “Recuerdos de la Alhambra.”

The demanding first and fourth Preludes by Villa Lobos were also given sensitive treatment. With lively rhythmic lilt and clear enunciation by the thumb of the evocative main melody, the interpretation of Pre-

lude No. 1 was especially well considered.

A charming, depictive item, “Alba” (“Dawn”), by the Swiss composer, Hans Haug, was effectively delivered with restrained, pastoral tone. The chordal lines of Bach’s Sarabande in B minor were elegantly articulated with pleasing colour and dignity. The relentless arpeggio work in Fernando Sor’s Study in B minor was cleanly dispatched and carried commendable momentum. By the same composer, the sprightly clip of Minuet, 0p.22, placed this work among the most appealing items on the programme.

In all, and particularly considering the absence of notice, the performance given was remarkable for its intelligence and polish.