gj Michelob -> RE: **Advanced Challenge Entries** (Jun. 2 2009 13:09:27)
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To explain my methodology, I listened to Tomatito playing La Ardila –on youtube- before opening each file to which I juxtaposed it . My grading curve peaks at his rendition. I judged based on 30 points, with Tomatito holding the highest available score of 30. All entries are outstanding examples of fine musicianship, and have enjoyed listening to each one. Some show more originality than others in choice of style, emphasis and variations, while other meticulously follow the score and Tomatito’s lead. I resolved to neither penalize nor reward originality as opposed to closeness to the score. Ultimately, I followed this scale: if hard pressed to choose, which –other, adding to the Tomatito- would I download on my iPod? My choice: n. 4 GRAPES with 30 points. Awesome, entertaining, passionately “into-it”. It brings out each single melody without neglecting any of the voices Tomatito had authored. Even the most obvious scales never sound banal, but are exquisite ornaments. This was as large and confident as Madrid, capital and opulent. A brilliant and jovial performance, as one should expect from Alegrias. It reminded me of Ricardo’s style, meticulously balanced on each note, measured in his passion, as if holding an exuberant Andalusian marching elegantly into a sun-drenched Corrida. I am downloading this into my iPod. n. 3 KUMQUAT with 27 points Afflicted by the poor quality of the recording, K still manages a lovely, deep and sentimental performance. It is accurate, brilliant and “together”, flowing beautifully into some impressively rich rasgueos. ‘liked it and listened to it few times with pleasure. n. 1 STARFRUIT with 25 points It is clean and accurate, quite gently performed. It is almost as if a classically trained hand delivered this methodical, orderly and disciplined rendition. And perhaps it is why I found it somehow a bit flat for want of heart, not lacking in Tomatitio’s work. n. 2 STRAWBERRY with 20 points It indulged a somehow slower pace, yet the hand felt insecure, or not effortlessly flowing at times. Deep and introspective, more than the Alegrias would need. n. 5 LYCHEE with 18 points Originally introduced by a festive beginning, the performance is intermittingly rushed. A dash of chaos clouded a few notes, yet it was colorful, as the beginning would lead you to expect. n. 6 SATSUMA with 10 points An insecure performance, maybe even struggling at times (?). Some parts sing well, but are fogged by an assortment of uncertainties which flawed the general pleasure. n.7 HONEYDEW with 10 points Confident but significantly departing from the original score, heavier than any, almost “metal” at times. The musician tries hard to bring character to the piece, and nearly adulterates its nature. A different kind of work, in the end, although interestingly original; a touch too dark, perhaps even aggressive.
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