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JOURNEY ON SIX STRINGS

A Classical Guitar Concert
by Seth Escalante

PROGRAM
Sunday 28 July 2024

Gymnopédie No. 1
Composed by Erik Satie

Performed by Seth Escalante

Born May 17, 1866, Erik Satie was just 22 years old when he composed Gymnopédie No. 1 in 1888 in France. The piece, along with its two companions, helped establish him as a forerunner of minimalist music, a style that would come to define 20th-century music.  

Cavatina
Composed by Stanley Myers

Performed by Seth Escalante
Jason Coombs

Born on October 6, 1930, English composer Stanley Myers would have been 40 years old when he composed "Cavatina" in 1970 for the film "The Walking Stick." The hauntingly beautiful piece, originally a simple guitar composition, gained international fame eight years later as the theme song for the Vietnam War film "The Deer Hunter."

Via Dolorosa
Composed by Billy Sprague and Niles Borop

 

Performed by Sapphire Wong Chong – Achee
Seth Escalante

Released in 1983, "Via Dolorosa" by Christian singer-songwriters Billy Sprague and Niles Borop reflects on the suffering Jesus endured on his way to crucifixion. The song's title, translating to "Way of Suffering," evokes the emotional weight of the journey. "Via Dolorosa" gained popularity when Christian artist Sandi Patty recorded it, and it even earned Sprague a Dove Award for Song of the Year.

Oblivion
Composed by Astor Piazzolla

 

No Time to Die
By Hans Zimmer, Billie Eilish, Finneas O'Connell

 

Performed byJehiah Hope
Seth Escalante

Oblivion

"Oblivion" is a hauntingly beautiful composition by Astor Piazzolla, often considered a masterpiece of tango nuevo. While it shares the rhythmic foundation of traditional tango, Piazzolla's innovative approach infuses the piece with a rich, almost melancholic atmosphere. This iconic work has transcended its tango roots to become a universally recognized and beloved piece of classical music.

 

No Time to Die

"No Time to Die" is the theme song for the 25th James Bond film, performed by Billie Eilish and co-written with her brother Finneas O'Connell. The song, with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, marks a departure from the traditional Bond theme, reflecting the film's darker tone. Hans Zimmer's orchestral arrangements provide a dramatic backdrop to Eilish's ethereal vocals, creating a truly iconic and memorable piece.

 

Come Again
Composed by John Dowland

Performed by Eddie Cumberbatch
Seth Escalante

English composer, lutenist, and singer John Dowland (circa 1562/63 – buried February 20, 1626) likely wrote "Come Again" around 1597. This means he would have been in his mid-thirties, a period when his career was flourishing and many of his most famous works were composed. The song beautifully exemplifies Dowland's signature style, filled with melancholic beauty and exploring themes of love and loss.


The Frog Galliard
Composed by John Dowland

 

Performed by Richelle Cumberbatch
Seth Escalante

English composer, lutenist, and singer John Dowland (circa 1562/63 – buried February 20, 1626) composed "The Frog Galliard" sometime in the late 1500s. Unfortunately, we can't pinpoint an exact date. However, considering his overall body of work, Dowland was likely in his late twenties or thirties when he wrote this piece. "The Frog Galliard" exemplifies his skill in capturing a specific mood – in this case, a lively and energetic dance – through his instrumental music for lute. While the exact meaning behind the title "Frog" remains unclear, some speculate it might be a nickname referencing Dowland himself or a person he knew.


Winner Takes it All
From ABBA
Composed by Benny Andersson / Björn Ulvaeus

Performed by Nicole Wong Chong
Seth Escalante

Written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the songwriting duo behind ABBA, "The Winner Takes It All" was released in 1980. The song is a poignant ballad about the heartbreak of a relationship ending. While not explicitly autobiographical, Ulvaeus has acknowledged the lyrics draw on the emotions surrounding his own separation from fellow ABBA member Agnetha Fältskog 18 months prior. Despite its melancholic theme, "The Winner Takes It All" became a massive international hit, topping charts around the world.

Adaigo
Composed by Tomaso Albinoni 

Performed by Seth Escalante

The famous "Adagio in G Minor" attributed to Tomaso Albinoni is actually a 20th century creation. Remo Giazotto, a musicologist, supposedly found a fragment of Albinoni's work and composed the rest in a similar style. However, there's no evidence of Albinoni ever writing such a piece. Despite its origins, the "Adagio" has become a beloved melody known for its beauty and melancholy.

 

Zapateado 
Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo

Performed bySeth Escalante

"Zapateado" by Joaquin Rodrigo is a virtuosic piece for solo guitar, likely composed around 1954. It's part of his "Tres Piezas Españolas" (Three Spanish Pieces) suite, showcasing traditional Spanish dances.  The music captures the energy and rhythmic complexity of Flamenco's "zapateo" footwork, making it a popular and technically demanding showpiece for guitarists.

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