Forum Theatre, Malvern – 25th May 2022
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Miloš Karadaglić is an exceptionally talented master of the classical guitar who already has multiple album releases, returning to Malvern with a programme in homage of Andrés Segovia; Spanish master who brought the instrument to prominence in the early 20th Century.
Each of tonight’s pieces is synonymous with the former great master, like the opening piece, Sor’s “Introduction on a Theme by Mozart” which Segovia most often opened concerts with. A playful, romantic piece that dances around the fretboard, giving us a variety of styles and textures. A showcase for why the guitar has always been such a popular instrument to rival the piano, especially in Spain which kept the flame alive and where the guitar’s exotic esotericism smoldered in the hidden courtyards. I especially loved Miloš playing of the final variation with its long thumbed bass passages alternating with chords and the almost rasguedo like final chord, perfectly showing off what the guitar does best – chords and single note passages with multiple voicings.
Bach’s “Chaconne” was next. For me Bach is more about logic (with all those weaving contrapuntal lines) than passion. That Miloš managed to achieve clarity of line whilst bringing joy and warmth into this cerebral piece demonstrates his innate musicality and genius command of the fingerboard.
Three pieces by Isaac Albéniz rounded out the first half. “Asturias”, which at its most thrilling needs a certain speed, precision and rhythmic certainty – an unremitting forward thrust exciting us with its drama and dynamic range. “Granada” has a smoldering intensity that is the very evocation of sitting in the gardens of the Alhambra remembering loves lost. Finally in this section, “Sevilla” – like attending a feria, full of dancing rhythms and gaiety, replete with óles! Then the focus shifts to a courting couple before rejoining the fiesta throng…
The second half consisted of Villa-Lobos “Five Preludes” – showcasing the guitar’s sonic palette via some sensuously long, florid runs up and down the neck before harmonics interweave with the more formal chorale like passages, giving our artist ample opportunity to display every guitaristic technique imaginable, which Miloš did in abundance.
Miloš’s personality comes across in his playing and also in his introductions; providing musical context as well as some lovely personal anecdotes like how he discovered his love of music growing up in Montenegro. I particularly enjoyed hearing about his new guitar (being one of the many people who are irresistably drawn to the instrument).
The concert finished with a transcription of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow“ and the premiere of “Amor Fati”, written especially for tonight’s artist. The audience didn’t want to let him go and so the ongoing (and most deserved) applause gave us a final treat – Francisco Tárrega’s “Lagrima”.
A beautiful piece to round out a gorgeous program and a wonderful concert from one of the most talented classical guitarists to emerge in the past decade. An absolute joy from start to finish, I cannot wait to see Miloš again and advise you to catch him while you can before the international stage whisks him away.