RHAPSODY FOR TWO GUITARS

Works for two classical guitars by Kyriakos Giorginakis (Greek Memories), George Gershwin (Rhapsody in blue*), Joaquin Rodrigo (Tonadilla), Astor Piazzolla (Tango Suite), J.S.Bach (Italienisches Konzert*)

Alexandra Christodimou and Yannis Petridis

Here is one more undeniable- and substantial - proof about the mighty, healthy and much promising Greek Guitar School. What we are offered here is a proof in double, so that we can recall Frederic Schopin's saying according to which "There is nothing compared to one guitar ,on the exception perhaps of two". The two guitars follow, under the circumstances, Alexandra Christodimou and Yannis Petridis's commands. The two guitarists studied with the vanguard - in greek standards- and prominent Evangelos and Liza, and during their ten-year common productive course they display exceptional activities that are in a way indicated in this recording. Among this edition's contents - excluding the last three parts Harvest, Grape harvest and Fiesta from "Greek Memories", written by the unforgettable Kyriakos Giorginakis(1950-1989), which are defined as "greek" by nationality - George Gershwin's delightful "Rhapsody in Blue" as well as J.S.Bach's eternal "Italienisches Konzert" may claim Greek citizenship too, since the transcriptions are personally signed by the artists themselves. I believe our appreciation in Giorginakis's work can be taken for granted, however it is revived by the new, emotionally loaded and spontaneous interpretation - nevertheless, I wonder "Why are the first two parts Trygos and Pyrofani missing?" Not by any means are their transcriptions unjust to the prototypes. On the contrary, they follow with the appropriate faith and respect as well as the freedom allowed the original manuscript. Thus, their transcriptions are worth praise. So are their interpretations. Still, in Bach's "Italian Concerto" a more emphatic staccato would perhaps remind us more of the baroque harpsichord. In Gershwin's "Rhapsody" the musicians definitely seem to be aware of the "blue" note, and that makes me wonder of the altogether wrong and old-fashioned title-translation in Greek. Nevertheless, in the end it is the music that counts, and the artists relate with it in a harmonious way. Piazzolla's "Tango Suite" and recently deceased Rodrigo's "Tonadilla" are fortunately interpreted. Signed by Themi Zafiropoulos's always excellent sound engineering.

*Transcription for two guitars: Alexandra Christodimou - Yannis Petridis.

George Monemvassitis, Difono (No. 49, October 1999)