I'm not sure that David Russell has ever gotten the recognition he deserves. A very fine guitarist with a normally quite conservative repertoire, in this program, just premiered on YouTube last month, he explores some interesting repertoire including a new suite written for David by Stephen Goss. The concert was taped in three different churches on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella.
THE MUSIC SALON: classical music, popular culture, philosophy and anything else that catches my fancy...
He seems to be very well respected and loved here. Though perhaps only in guitar circles... I went up to the Royal Academy of Music a couple of times to see him give masterclasses to the students. He was the best at it that I've seen. I always remember when he showed one student how, by pausing a certain way, he could make the whole audience together hold their breath for seconds. He seemed a genuinely nice chap too, easy to approach.
ReplyDeleteI saw this concert when it came out and enjoyed it thoroughly. I find his playing amazing in its control and clarity.
I agree with your evaluation. I saw him give a master-class once and thought he was an excellent teacher and, as you say, a "genuinely nice chap." I think that he came along just slightly too late to achieve the heights that Bream and Williams did. The great wave of guitar lovers had faded a bit. It is nice to see him trying some new repertoire.
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