It was a pleasure to hear Robert Schulze perform at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia on the 20th of February, 2000.

His program began with a very creditable performance of Manuel Ponce's "Tres Canciones Populares Mexicanas" followed by two Antonio Lauro Venezuelen waltzes called, "El Nino & Yacambu", which were well played and nicely captured the distinctive character of the music.

Next came a new and very lyrical work entitled "Two Friendships" by Dennis Parrish. Both pieces "Prozialeck & Canonico" were immediately appealing and Robert did them justice with some fine playing.
The Bach 3rd Cello Suite arranged for the guitar by John Duarte brought the first half to a close. It was an accomplished performance which had good contrapuntal harmony delineation, accuracy, and phrasing.

The second half started well with an expressive rendition of the evocative "Castles of Spain", by Frederic Moreno Torroba.

Five delightfully melodic but intricate and challanging works by the great Paraquayan guitarist/composer Augustin Barrios came next. The "Madrigal" and "Tango" were beautifully played and the demanding tremolo piece "Contemplacion" was skilfully executed. The program ended with the exciting "Aire de Zambra" and "Danza Paraguaya" at which point the audience was moved to show it's appreciation with a standing ovation. As an encore Robert Schulze played a lovely arrangement of Schubert's "Ave Maria".

Overall this was an entertaining and successful concert. It was a varied but challanging program and Robert Schulze gave an impressive display of virtuosity and musicianship. After the concert he mentioned that he majored in music and paid tribute to his teacher Stephen Barnes, who he said has been a guiding influence on his guitar playing development.

I for one hope we can see and hear more of Robert Schulze in future concerts.

Sunday, February 20th , 2000
2:00 PM

** Intermission **