Musically, nothing evokes the Spanish experience as does Richard Harvey's piece of music Concerto Antico; especially when it is played by John Williams, the internationally acclaimed guitarist. The sincerest form of flattery being imitation, this guitar concerto is adorned in a rich filigree of Spanish lace. It is a paradox that such a beautiful Mediterranean melody as this was composed by a Londoner for John Williams, the celebrated Australian guitarist.
The greatest classical Spanish guitarist of all time, Andres Segovia, had said of Williams: "A Prince of the Guitar has arrived in the musical world. God has laid a finger on his brow, and it will not be long before his name becomes a byword in England and abroad, thus contributing to the spiritual domain of his race."
A Melody so Daunting
It was for such a guitarist that Richard Harvey set out to compose a melody so daunting that even Williams would find it impossible to play yet at the same time challenge him to attempt it.
The Concerto Antico is in fact a kaleidoscope of old dances and song forms that mirror different parts of Europe; but surely Mediterranean in essence. Harvey later wrote of Williams: "His imperious response to this challenge, particularly in the fifth movement, makes me thrill with delight each time I hear it."
Neither Harvey nor Williams are strangers to challenge for the Londoner's gift for creating great music is already familiar even if his name is not immediately recognisable.
Born in 1953 Harvey is as musically talented as any of the great classical composers. After graduating from the Royal College of Music he formed the folk group Gryphon. By this time he was already talented as a player of traditional orchestral instruments.
The Epitome of the One-Man Band
The group was soon haunting three continents, winning hearts and minds as the London-born prodigy displayed his skills through a repertoire of thirty different musical instruments and five albums. He personally owns an impressive collection of nearly six hundred musical instruments, and plays most of them.
Harvey may be remembered by the public for his musical scoring of dozens of iconic movies and television dramas: the Harry Potter films; The Lion King, Kingdom of Heaven. Death of a President, 'Les Deux Mondes', The Da Vinci Code and many more.
Yet for all of his considerable achievements this gifted composer will perhaps be best remembered for a simple Mediterranean melody so beautifully evocative it stretched the already impressive limitations of master guitarist John Williams. Between them they have captured and held the timelessness and beauty of gentle Mediterranean and Spanish musical culture.
Michael Walsh: Forty years experience writing media news and columns; copywriting, ghost-writing; fiction and non-fiction. He applies a professional finish to your story or feature; added marketing flair for product or service reviews. All genres considered, he welcomes your interest wherever in the world you may be.
http://www.michaelwalsh.es/ and http://wwwquitewrite.blogspot.com/
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