Classical recital at the London Guitar Festival

An afternoon of classical guitar recital at Kings Place brought together old and new sounds by young musicians Johan Lövfing and Daniela Rossi.

Lövfing started the recital with a Fugue by Bach, as warm and beautiful as sinking into a harmonic bath. I could feel a muscular knot in my back relaxing. The following pieces were more challenging to listen to, in that they explored and inverted the guitar repertoire and the sounds possible from the instrument.

Twin sister composers Litha and Effy Efthymiou had their piece States of Ice played by both guitarists, one movement each, which was a fascinating way to contrast their different performing styles – Lövfing is technical and precise, while Rossi is more of a warm and connecting performer.

Works by Stephen Goss were played by both guitarists – pieces which were beautifully constructed and gently wistful. Rossi finished the recital with a work by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla. Usually a tango composer who integrates elements of jazz and classical music, this enjoyable piece was, astonishingly, his only work for solo classical guitar.

The acoustics in Hall One are extraordinary, and extremely sympathetic for the guitar, allowing the musicians to play quietly to the point of magic. There is a downside in that it seems to amplify every tiny cough and scuffle of the audience.

Kings Place is currently hosting the London Guitar Festival, until 25^th November. Contemporary and ancient, international, jazz and classical, there is much to enjoy and inspire.

Eleanor MacFarlane

The London Guitar Festival is at Kings Place from 22^nd October until 25^th November 2012. For further information or to book visit the festival’s website here.