14-11-2015 Pre-Concert talk by Craig Ogden
On 14 November members and guests of the CGC were honoured with a special pre-concert talk by Craig Ogden about Rodrigo's “Concerto de Aranjuez”, which he was to play at Chester Cathedral that same evening.
It was an incredibly insightful event. Craig explained the different techniques of playing the rasgueados, arpeggios, and chords and why he chose certain ones above others. His approach to different techniques effected reduction of tension and tone quality. He demonstrated several passages and revealed that he practiced these finger movements everywhere, even on the bus.
Craig shared tips on how to get past difficult passages in the Concerto. It was amusing to hear that one of his methods was to ban the word 'difficult' and replace it with 'detailed', as this would help a player mentally prepare for a performance.
Open and frank as he is, Craig told us how his wedding related to his recording of the Concerto de Aranjuez, (we'll leave you guessing how).
After a question about the origins of the music, he demystified the myth that Rodrigo wrote the concert after his still born child, but he admitted that it was understandable since the piece was beautifully reflective and full of passion.
Overall it was a unique experience to hear from a such an experienced player what it takes to prepare for and perform a concert of such magnitude.
After the talk we attended the concert, and despite knowing about the background we were still baffled by Craig’s faultless control and were spellbound by the beauty of the performance.
On 14 November members and guests of the CGC were honoured with a special pre-concert talk by Craig Ogden about Rodrigo's “Concerto de Aranjuez”, which he was to play at Chester Cathedral that same evening.
It was an incredibly insightful event. Craig explained the different techniques of playing the rasgueados, arpeggios, and chords and why he chose certain ones above others. His approach to different techniques effected reduction of tension and tone quality. He demonstrated several passages and revealed that he practiced these finger movements everywhere, even on the bus.
Craig shared tips on how to get past difficult passages in the Concerto. It was amusing to hear that one of his methods was to ban the word 'difficult' and replace it with 'detailed', as this would help a player mentally prepare for a performance.
Open and frank as he is, Craig told us how his wedding related to his recording of the Concerto de Aranjuez, (we'll leave you guessing how).
After a question about the origins of the music, he demystified the myth that Rodrigo wrote the concert after his still born child, but he admitted that it was understandable since the piece was beautifully reflective and full of passion.
Overall it was a unique experience to hear from a such an experienced player what it takes to prepare for and perform a concert of such magnitude.
After the talk we attended the concert, and despite knowing about the background we were still baffled by Craig’s faultless control and were spellbound by the beauty of the performance.
6-11-2013
In November, Chester CGC welcomed Graham Wade who delivered interesting and informative insights into the classical guitar over the past half century. The Chester audience were delighted by Graham's recollections of his associations with Segovia and Julian Bream, and on behalf of the Chester Guitar Circle, we would like to sincerely thank him.
It was inspiring to hear about his experiences with the guitar in the last century. His viewpoints on the guitar history made us think and reflect on what it all means to us.
It was wonderful to have him at our meeting, I hope we will hear from him more in future.
In November, Chester CGC welcomed Graham Wade who delivered interesting and informative insights into the classical guitar over the past half century. The Chester audience were delighted by Graham's recollections of his associations with Segovia and Julian Bream, and on behalf of the Chester Guitar Circle, we would like to sincerely thank him.
It was inspiring to hear about his experiences with the guitar in the last century. His viewpoints on the guitar history made us think and reflect on what it all means to us.
It was wonderful to have him at our meeting, I hope we will hear from him more in future.
2-10-2013
Chester CGC welcomed the luthiers Tony Johnson and James Lister in October for a 'half-event'.
Tony talked about the construction of 'period' instruments and illustrate the process with performances of music contemporary to those instruments. James enlightened us about the construction of modern guitars and the evolution of techniques.materials
Chester CGC welcomed the luthiers Tony Johnson and James Lister in October for a 'half-event'.
Tony talked about the construction of 'period' instruments and illustrate the process with performances of music contemporary to those instruments. James enlightened us about the construction of modern guitars and the evolution of techniques.materials
1-5-2013
We had an excellent talk on 'Performing with Confidence' by Edward Arran. He explained the issues we have when performing in front of an audience, how it works and what can be done about it.
Edward is trained in hypnotherapy to help people overcome anxiety fears and phobias. He now also works in the field of personal improvement. He makes hypnosis more accessible to people to deal with real problems affecting our (guitar-playing) life. He has worked with actors, musicians and sportsman and applies his experience to have them perform at their best, or even better.
Edward spoke about the possibility of reprogramming your anxiety, to support your guitar performance (or a similar siuation). The illogical fear is something many of us recognised. It was very interesting to hear and to understand how the mind works, and gets it wrong sometimes. Reprogramming your mind through hypnosis works in a few sessions. It doesn't change you! However it makes you look different at the situation and yourself in it. Edward demonstrated this using fear of height with someone.
Edward made it sound straightforward, but we definitely need more time to dive into this. CGC are looking to organise a more indepth event in future.
It was an excellent meeting, with some lovely performances afterwards. If you want more information on the subject or you want to contact Edward follow the link : http://www.edwardarran.com
We had an excellent talk on 'Performing with Confidence' by Edward Arran. He explained the issues we have when performing in front of an audience, how it works and what can be done about it.
Edward is trained in hypnotherapy to help people overcome anxiety fears and phobias. He now also works in the field of personal improvement. He makes hypnosis more accessible to people to deal with real problems affecting our (guitar-playing) life. He has worked with actors, musicians and sportsman and applies his experience to have them perform at their best, or even better.
Edward spoke about the possibility of reprogramming your anxiety, to support your guitar performance (or a similar siuation). The illogical fear is something many of us recognised. It was very interesting to hear and to understand how the mind works, and gets it wrong sometimes. Reprogramming your mind through hypnosis works in a few sessions. It doesn't change you! However it makes you look different at the situation and yourself in it. Edward demonstrated this using fear of height with someone.
Edward made it sound straightforward, but we definitely need more time to dive into this. CGC are looking to organise a more indepth event in future.
It was an excellent meeting, with some lovely performances afterwards. If you want more information on the subject or you want to contact Edward follow the link : http://www.edwardarran.com
6-3-2013
This month CGC was delighted to welcome two talented young performers currently studying at Chethams, Alexandra Whittingham and Ben Pace. They treated us to a dazzling display of technical wizardry with Gary Ryan’s Generator, followed by solos and duets by Brower and Roland Dyens.
With so much talent at such a young age, we anticipate a bright future for these amazing duetists
This month CGC was delighted to welcome two talented young performers currently studying at Chethams, Alexandra Whittingham and Ben Pace. They treated us to a dazzling display of technical wizardry with Gary Ryan’s Generator, followed by solos and duets by Brower and Roland Dyens.
With so much talent at such a young age, we anticipate a bright future for these amazing duetists