TrulyGrace

Giovanni Sollima: "Ba-Rock Cello"

Charles, Susan, and I went tonight to hear Ba-Rock Cello, performed by Giovanni Sollima.

Here is the press release for his concert:

Italian Cellist and composer Giovanni Sollima, famously described as “a snarling, grieving Jimi Hendrix of the cello,” will perform a free concert, “Ba-Rock Cello.” Sollima has been captivated by every kind of music and has sought to create new blends among the most diverse genres by combining elements of classical, rock and jazz music, as well as of ethnic music - characteristic of Sicily and of others Mediterranean lands such as North Africa, Israel, the Middle East, the Balkan States, Turkey, Andalusia. Since 1992 his works have been included in important seasons in all the continents, and performed by soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma and many more.

The special concert is in honor of the Ri.MED Foundation and sponsored by Ri.MED, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).


I was moved, as Susan said the Internet information described his work as "atonal." I found it lyrical, melodic atonal. He started the program with a gypsy-like piece, played solo through the first part of the program, and then was joined by his housemate and fellow cellist. The second part of the program highlighted both of them, and there was a piece in which he perambulated the aisles, pausing for a while at our third row, where we felt serenaded by his non-stop playing. Making a circuit, he returned to the stage. They played some Baroque pieces, a fast piece about Leonardo da Vinci followed by a slow-er piece about Virginia Woolf.

Their last encore featured them both playing her cello.


After the program we saw works by Liz in the hallway. Charles was impressed.

We were the first to greet the guest musicians as they entered the hallway. "Wonderful!" I exclaimed.

Labels: art, Bach, Choir, music, photos, student, talent

posted by Grace @ 5/04/2010 10:45:00 PM