Guitarist Mårten Falk

GUITARIST MÅRTEN FALK PLAYS DEMANDING RECITAL IN WEILL HALL

November 16 Swedish guitarist Mårten Falk gave the first guitar concert at the new Weill Hall at Sonoma State University. This reviewer was impressed that the guitar filled the hall with just some imperceptible amplification.

Mr. Falk began the program with a set of eight Villa Lobos pieces, covering several stages of his compositions. His virtuosity was apparent from the first but his excess tempi resulted in some unfortunate errors in this solid repertoire music. However by the last of this set, he had settled in and was in complete control.

Next on the program was the Nocturnal after John Dowland, Op. 70, of Benjamin Britten, a monumental work of modern repertoire for the guitar. Written for British guitarist Julian Bream in 1963, the work is a theme and variations but in reverse, with the most distant variations heard first and constantly moving back to the theme. Mr. Falk nailed this piece with expression and color, very Bream like in performance.

The second half was dedicated to new or very unfamiliar repertoire, from 18 and 19th century Russian composers. The Russians at that time used a seven-string instrument, expanding the range in the bass. Included was Study No. 1 of Andrei Sychra, the father of Russian seven-string guitar; Alexandr Vetrov’s Canzona; and a Sokolov Polka from the gypsy Sergei Orekhov. While the works felt “Russian,” each was very romantic, with the expanded range of the seven strings adding to the rich harmonies of this music.

Mr. Falk spoke to the audience and offered background and anecdotes about the composers and the music. It is wonderful that someone of Mr. Falk’s abilities is uncovering and presenting this music to audiences and guitarist alike.

Overall, this was a sterling presentation and an opportunity to hear a great guitarist, fine music, and in a special hall. With an abundant Swedish community among the 150 present, perhaps we’ll have an opportunity to hear Mårten Falk again.