Great guitarist’s set shone

South Wales Evening Post, Jul 23, 2010

Morgan Szymanski (guitar), St Mary’s Church, Pennard, Gower Festival IN a week dominated by oppressive clouds and heavy downpours, the outstandingly talented classical guitarist Morgan Szymanski brought Latin American sunshine to the Gower Festival. Music by Guiliani and Barrios set the cheery mood, taken forward con brio with four Venezuelan waltzes by Lauro.

The vogue for Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla continues unabated, and he was represented here by two pieces: Primavera Portena and La Muerte Del Angel. Further works by Iannarelli (born in Italy but now living in Mexico) and the Brazilian guitarist Paulo Bellinati completed a breathtaking tour of South American music.

Szymanski turned with equal sensitivity and verve to the British composer Alec Roth. Four delightful movements — together entitled Cat Dances — brought smiles both to guitarist and audience alike. Finally, the sublime Recuerdos De La Alhambra by Tarrega was the perfect encore and, unable to resist Szymanski’s infectious joy, the rain cleared.