By Rachel Molina | Staff Writer |
The performance was in an intimate setting.
Stuart Green sat atop a black ottoman with his left foot upon a small foot rest and his guitar in hand.
Green’s soothing guitar playing took center stage Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts building.
His guitar recital featured compositions from years as early as 1510-c. to 1959.
Green is also a professor at CSUSB and teaches Music 180.
Many of his students were among the hundred in attendance that night.
“I am taking Music 180 because it looked interesting, and I used to play the flute. After stressing over Anatomy, this was soothing,” said student Jennifer Tavarez.
He performed pieces by Domenico Scarlatti, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Robert de Visee, Alonso Mudarra and Miguel Llobet.
Before each piece was played, Green spoke about each composer and their music.
This was very helpful in understanding the music. It fostered an appreciation for the time period in which the music was written.
It was enjoyable to watch his face light up as he informed the audience about his favorite composers.
“Without getting too complicated, I chose to play the composers that fit my personality. I kind of like not flashy, sort of delicate, intricate type music,” said Green.
Green was most intrigued by Scarlatti who played for the Queen of Spain, and Robert de Visee who played for Louis XIV.
The history was interesting and helped tell a story that Green conveyed through his playing.
His hands seemed to move effortlessly as he plucked the guitar strings, and the tone of the music was very soothing.
The last songs that Green played were from composer Miguel Llobet.
“These five classical songs make the guitar sing,” said Green.
This composer was a great choice to end the performance. The music had an eerie, but sweet sound.
At the end of the performance, the audience enthusiastically applauded.
Green stood up, held his guitar in both hands, smiled, and took a gracious bow.
Music and playing the guitar is a big part of Green’s life.
“I like that the guitar has a diversity of style,” said Green.
“It was like I was saying on stage; you can play ancient music, modern music, country, jazz and rock. The guitar plays music that other instruments don’t get to do,” he continued.
He has also released three CDs in the past twelve years.
Recuerdo triste (2002), The Guitar Works of Trinidad Huerta (2008), which has been played on National Public Radio (NPR).
He released the last of three CD’s in 2012. Both are suites for the guitar by Robert de Visee.
The audience was able to hear four suites from the composer from the years 1650-c.-1732.
The compositions by Robert de Visee that Green performed were very delicate sounding, the way he strummed his guitar seemed very intricate.
Green has spent many years studying, understanding and recording his music to make it what it is today.
His recital was a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft.
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