University of Virginia Library

Matinee Idol

Angel Romero, the closest I've
seen to a "matinee idol" in stage
presence since Valentino silents,
performed two dances by John
Dowland delightfully. The highlight
of the first part of the program was
Celin Romero's reading of Two
Preludes by Villa-Lobos. Celin's art
is remarkably subtle, and he
achieved a level of audience
communication only matched by
his father's own compositions in
the second half.

Nicolo Paganini's "Allegro" was
performed with only a few
awkward moments. Perfection in
Paganini has always been elusive.
Angel Romero is very close to
mastering Paganini's demands. Pepe
Romero's Two Flamenco
Improvisations and the ensemble's
"Rumbas Gitanas" are both in the
traditional school of flamenco
playing, and conjure the mental
images of Spain that are so dear to
Spanish and non-Spanish alike.

It was the flamenco variations
that pleased the audience most, and
well they might. It is also important
that the Romeros chose this
program in order to expose a
broader spectrum of guitar music.
This, combined with their
extraordinary sense of musicianship
both individually and in ensemble,
made this one of the most
interesting concerts of the year.
The guitar is probably the most
popular instrument today and now
one can fully understand how it can
also be very personal.