Posted on: 9th of September 2010 in | | Comments (2)
2 Comments
Hi all,
My good buddy and teacher Jim was kind enough to ask me share some of the anecdotes I might have about my encounters with Narciso. It is difficult to know where to begin, so I will start with one that is a testament to the maestro’s breathtaking music skills. I do not at this point remember the date (or even the year for that matter), but Yepes arrived in Barcelona to play a concert in commemoration of the death of Jose Ramirez at the Palau de Musica. I tagged along with Maricarmen Palma to pick Narciso up at the airport. We arrived at Maricarmen and Jose Luis Lopategui’s apartment, where Narciso stated that it would only be fitting to give the concert with one of Ramirez’ guitars. The only one available (and I am not really sure of the reason for this) was a six string that had been Jose Luis’ first “concert instrument”. Narciso said that he had to “practice” given that he was not familiar with that particular instrument so….
without any hesitation he tuned up and proceeded to play Rodrigo’s Gentilhommbre movement by movement impeccably while SINGING the orchestra parts (completely in tune of course). The whole time he had a huge smile on his face-an expression of complete delight.
To say I was amazed by his prowess would be a huge understatement. It was one of those moments (and musically I have been very fortunate to have experienced a number of them in the maestro’s presence, although a Jim has mentioned, he could be a very harsh taskmaster) in which you experience a profound clarity, a feeling of being completely “in the moment” – slightly unsettling in knowing you are witnessing something completely out of the ordinary.
Just off a long plain flight, no warm-up, no nail filing, a six sting that hadn’t been tuned or played in years…no problem. Just complete syncronicity with the music and the instrument
Comment by Andrew Rossetti — March 8, 2009 @ 1:29 am
Dear Andy,
This story you have just shared about the Jose Ramirez Memorial Concert, is exactly what I had in mind for this group – “Friends of Narciso Yepes”! However, you have actually exceeded my expectations!! It speaks of his outstanding musicianship and complete mastery of his instrument, and a level of talent that was always indeed way beyond the norm. It also shows something about his character, not only was he always concerned about the music, but he also had a good sense of humor.
Thank you so much for sharing this story about the Maestro, it is a wonderful contribution to our group. You said you have a few, so now after hearing this one, I am even more anxious to hear the rest of them as well.
Jim L.
Hi all,
My good buddy and teacher Jim was kind enough to ask me share some of the anecdotes I might have about my encounters with Narciso. It is difficult to know where to begin, so I will start with one that is a testament to the maestro’s breathtaking music skills. I do not at this point remember the date (or even the year for that matter), but Yepes arrived in Barcelona to play a concert in commemoration of the death of Jose Ramirez at the Palau de Musica. I tagged along with Maricarmen Palma to pick Narciso up at the airport. We arrived at Maricarmen and Jose Luis Lopategui’s apartment, where Narciso stated that it would only be fitting to give the concert with one of Ramirez’ guitars. The only one available (and I am not really sure of the reason for this) was a six string that had been Jose Luis’ first “concert instrument”. Narciso said that he had to “practice” given that he was not familiar with that particular instrument so….
without any hesitation he tuned up and proceeded to play Rodrigo’s Gentilhommbre movement by movement impeccably while SINGING the orchestra parts (completely in tune of course). The whole time he had a huge smile on his face-an expression of complete delight.
To say I was amazed by his prowess would be a huge understatement. It was one of those moments (and musically I have been very fortunate to have experienced a number of them in the maestro’s presence, although a Jim has mentioned, he could be a very harsh taskmaster) in which you experience a profound clarity, a feeling of being completely “in the moment” – slightly unsettling in knowing you are witnessing something completely out of the ordinary.
Just off a long plain flight, no warm-up, no nail filing, a six sting that hadn’t been tuned or played in years…no problem. Just complete syncronicity with the music and the instrument
Comment by Andrew Rossetti — March 8, 2009 @ 1:29 am
Dear Andy,
This story you have just shared about the Jose Ramirez Memorial Concert, is exactly what I had in mind for this group – “Friends of Narciso Yepes”! However, you have actually exceeded my expectations!! It speaks of his outstanding musicianship and complete mastery of his instrument, and a level of talent that was always indeed way beyond the norm. It also shows something about his character, not only was he always concerned about the music, but he also had a good sense of humor.
Thank you so much for sharing this story about the Maestro, it is a wonderful contribution to our group. You said you have a few, so now after hearing this one, I am even more anxious to hear the rest of them as well.
Jim L.
Comment by James — March 10, 2009 @ 1:30 am