Radford's Performance Magic
A Review by Burt Glidden
Every once in a while, something magic will happen in a musical performance.
No longer are you hearing a succession of rhythms and melodies played by a
single person, but rather the outcry of the souls of generations of people
focused through a single performer.
Such was the experience at Saturday night's final performance in the Encore
Music Series at old Chaska Junior High School auditorium. It was indeed one of
the most soul-stirring performances I have ever heard. This performance alone
was worth the price of the membership.
With flawless technique and a warm and spontaneous commentary, Radford led his
audience on a magic carpet tour of Spain. Our little auditorium proved to be
(at least for this performance) a very proper setting for this intimate
exchange.
From his opening work "Alegrias," which means joy and happiness, to his
closing piece "Tarantas," his commentary provided a necessary framework upon
which the listener could listen, enjoy and understand what this haunting and
compelling music has to say.
For those in the audience, this performance won't be forgotten. Certainly it
was the highlight of this years series, if not the highlight of all the
Encore Music Series to date. Ole!
Chaska Herald, Chaska, MN - Encore Music Series, By Burt Glidden.
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