Monday, April 25, 2022
7:30 PM
Paul Galbraith is internationally renowned as one of the foremost guitarists of our time. The searching depth of his interpretations, along with his revolutionary playing style and instrument, have made him an instantly recognizable figure in the world of classical music.
Galbraith’s recording of the Complete Bach Violin Sonatas and Partitas was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Solo Instrumental Album. This 2-CD set was also chosen as one of the two best CDs of the year by Gramophone Magazine, which called it “a landmark in the history of guitar recordings.” It received a “Four Star” rating in Stereo Review, and reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s classical charts.
Both Galbraith’s playing position, and his guitar's extraordinary design, are considered groundbreaking development in the history of the instrument, The guitar is supported by a metal endpin, similar to that of a cello, which rests on a wooden resonance box. The instrument has two extra strings, one high, one low, increasing its range to an unprecedented extent.
At the age of 17, Galbraith won the Silver Medal at the Segovia International Guitar Competition. Andrés Segovia, who was present, called his playing "magnificent." This award helped launch an international career including engagements with some of the finest orchestras in Britain and Europe (Royal Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, BBC Philharmonic, Scottish Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, BBC Scottish Orchestra, Scottish Baroque Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra and Scottish Chamber Orchestra among them). He toured the U.S. as soloist with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, and performed in Prague’s Dvorák Hall with the National Chamber Orchestra of Chile. In the USA he has appeared as soloist with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Knoxville Symphony, Santa Rosa Symphony and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, among others.
Galbraith gave a nationally-televised closing-night performance of Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez at the Scottish Proms with the BBC Scottish Orchestra, and was invited by the CBC to give a special “Tribute to Glenn Gould” concert for Canada-wide broadcast at the Glenn Gould Studios in Toronto on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the great pianist’s death. Galbraith has been featured twice on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” and numerous times on “Performance Today.”
Galbraith has recently appeared in festivals in Vienna, Austria and in Spain, Italy, China and South Korea. He made his New York début at the Frick Collection, receiving a rave review in the New York Times; he appeared three times on Lincoln Center’s “Great Performances” series, and he has twice given solo recitals at the 92nd Street Y. Recent and forthcoming engagements include NYC, Boston, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, Atlanta, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Portland Seattle, Miami, Baltimore, Buffalo, Milwaukee, San Antonio, and San Juan (Puerto Rico). Recitals in Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Israel and Turkey are among Mr. Galbraith’s international activities. He has appeared at numerous Bach festivals, including those of Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Denver and Carmel.
Galbraith's most recent CD is "Allemande" — music by Bach and Mozart. Among his current projects are his duo with cellist Antonio Meneses of the legendary Beaux Arts Trio.
Born in Scotland and now residing in Cambridge, England, Galbraith has lived in Basel, Switzerland and São Paulo, Brazil. He is a professor at the Music Academy of Basel and the Royal Scottish Conservatoire.
Program:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Fantasie and Adagio
Fantasie K.383C/Anh. 32 for keyboard in F (trans. B);
Adagio K. 617a for Glass Harmonica in C (trans. B)
Paul Hindemith (1895-1963)
Sonata for Harp (1939)
i. Moderato
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Suite in A (BWV Various)
Prelude (Well Tempered Clavier Bk. 2 in C#) BWV 872
Sarabande (Keyboard Partita No.4 in D) BWV 828
Tempo di Menuet (Keyboard Partita No.5 in G) BWV 829
Allegro (1st mvt of Keyboard Toccata in G)
Fughetta (Well Tempered Clavier Bk. 2 in C#/*) BWV 872/872a*
(All movements trans. A)
—Intermission—
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
"Claraiana"
Album for the Young, Op.68 no.26
Colored Leaves, Op.99 no.1, For Clara at Christmas
Op.68 no.16 First Loss
Album Leaves, Op.124 no.14, Vision
Op.68 no.32, Scheherazade
Op.68 no.21, Remembering my friend Felix [Mendelssohn]
Enrique Granados (1867-1916)
Valses Poeticos
1. Vivace molto & melodico
2. Tempo de vals noble
3. Tempo de vals lento
4. Allegro humoristico
5. Allegretto (elegante)
6. Quasi ad libitum (sentimental)
7. Vivo
8. Presto: da capo vals noble
Isaac Albeniz (1860-1909)
Castilla (from Spanish Suite) Op.47
All works arranged by Paul Galbraith for 8-string guitar
The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. These events will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of each concert. Face coverings are required for attendees, regardless of vaccination status. Proof of vaccination or negative test within 48 hours of the event is required. Event capacity is limited to 70% for now.