A few questions about Rafael Riqueni

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ashod

Posts: 227
Joined: Jan. 11 2006

A few questions about Rafael Riqueni

Hey,

I'm a big fan of Rafael Riqueni and really like pretty much all of his compositions.
There is one element that is disturbing me tho.
I don't speak spanish, but it seems they're referring to a pause in his career in this video.
Was this due to an alcohol problem, some sickness or just something else? Anyone has any info on this matter?

Thank you

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2012 5:55:09

ashod

Posts: 227
Joined: Jan. 11 2006

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to ashod)

Never mind, I found the answer. It seems it was alcoholism...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2012 6:12:58

Arash

Posts: 4495
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to ashod)

Wasn't there something about the death of his father, or parents involved ?
I am not sure , just remember something like this.

I always felt that Requeni is an extremely sensitive person just by looking at his face.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2012 8:47:04

xirdneH_imiJ

Posts: 1890
Joined: Dec. 2 2006
From: Budapest, now in Southampton

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to Arash)

he's a very fragile man emotionally...poor fella
he's a hell of a composer, unfortunately i can't stand his tone...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2012 11:15:17

Ricardo

Posts: 14806
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to ashod)

Warning: hearsay ..... I heard his son died so he got into drugs then
lost his mind. Writing stacks of music in standard notation locked away
in his house his friends found him wearing a powdered wig and he thought
he was Mozart. For some years he was not allowed out and about
without a chaperone. I assume after some mental health treatment
he is doing better?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2012 13:03:16

Pimientito

Posts: 2481
Joined: Jul. 30 2007
From: Marbella

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to Ricardo)

I'm not sure where you heard that or how much of that story is true but I do know that he had to go to a rehabilitation clinic for drugs and alcohol for an extended period and he was very much off the music scene at that time. I assume the drug rehabilitation included psychological or/and psychiatric treatment too.

I'm told he's doing much better now, he is playing and writing again and has finished a new recording (not yet released) but haven't seen any news of concert/recital.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2012 16:01:40

El_Tortuga

Posts: 258
Joined: Aug. 11 2011
From: Canada

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to ashod)

It's too bad the audio is distorted in that YouTube clip. No doubt he's a great composer and player.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2012 16:17:44

ashod

Posts: 227
Joined: Jan. 11 2006

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to ashod)

Damn I didn't think he had it that bad.
I really think he's one of the greatest and most romantic flamenco guitarist.
Always telling beautiful stories with his music.
I hope he continues writing more... For humanities sake, we need people who create.
Thanks for all your input.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2012 17:16:21

cigany

Posts: 83
Joined: Jan. 30 2008
From: USA

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to ashod)

From 2011, I think. Always a gentleman. He's great.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2012 18:35:38

machopicasso

Posts: 973
Joined: Nov. 27 2010

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to cigany)

That's cool. It kind of reminds me of Bill Evans.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2012 8:33:41

henrym3483

Posts: 1584
Joined: Nov. 13 2005
From: Limerick,Ireland

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to machopicasso)

man's a Genius, imho, hes's up there with tomatito, manolo sanlucar & vicente had the pleasure speaking with him a bit on facebook in the wee hours of the morning. he's had a hard life.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2012 11:13:08

kudo

Posts: 2064
Joined: Sep. 3 2009

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to ashod)

Henry , damn you are so lucky to
Talk to him. I love his compositions, tone and energy.
V.Amigo, tomatito,Myrddin and Him are my
Favorite composers who are still alive.
I wish to meet them all one day

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2012 16:34:53

gbv1158

Posts: 410
Joined: May 29 2009
From: Italy

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to henrym3483)

quote:

hes's up there with tomatito, manolo sanlucar & vicente

I agree,

I love, particularly, when he plays Cogiendo Flores!...with that superb, intense, sweet tremolo! (I'm looking for the sheet music!)

ciao
giambattista

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2012 18:43:42

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: A few questions about Rafael Riqueni (in reply to henrym3483)

A Master guitarist...Fluid expression without need for pyrotechnics....Great!

Sorta hear echos of de Falla in his playing there.

Actually the first time I ever heard him play was in Michael Flatley's "Riverdance"!

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2012 19:06:57