Concert Preview: Tanguitis

Soloist: Clara Rodriguez (Piano)
Date: Sun 10 March 2003
Venue: Purcell Room
Tube: Waterloo

Repertoire:
Teresa Carreno: Un Reve en Mer
Teresa Carreno: Ballade
Isaac Albeniz: Iberia, Book 1 - Evocacion
Isaac Albeniz: Iberia, Book 3 - El Albaicin
Sergey Rachmaninov: 6 Moments musicaux, Op.16
Alfredo Rugeles: Tanguitis
Michael Rosas Cobian: Voices: 2
Ricardo Lorenz: Bachango
Alberto Ginastera: Piano Sonata No.1 Op.22

Tanguitis

Clara Rodriguez brings a distinctly South American feel to the Purcell Room...

Featuring a vibrant mix of composers, Tanguitis promises to be a colourfully exotic performance from Venezuelan soloist Clara Rodriguez. The repertoire embraces a predominantly South American collection of composers and Rodriguez's own roots are a key influence on the chosen repertoire, which features two works by Venezuelan composer Teresa Carreno (1853 - 1917).

Labelled "The Valkyrie of the piano" by her contemporaries, Carreno was highly acclaimed both as a performer and composer, but although a household name throughout her homeland, her work is considerably lesser known in Europe. The repertoire also includes works by Albeniz, Rachmaninov and Alberto Ginastera, with the second half focusing on a modern selection of works by contemporary composers: Alfredo Rugeles, Michael Cobian and Richard Lorenz.

This varied collection of works, though diverse in style, are united through their strong use of folk elements and powerful harmonies - a heady mix which Rodriguez describes as "passionate and sensual".

Renowned for her vibrancy and sensitivity of touch, Rodriguez has performed the world over. The authenticity of her interpretations and lucidity of playing have earned her international recognition, and if previous London performances are any indication of how Rodriguez will be received - the prediction would have to be a sell out.

Helenka Bednar