Outstanding Classical Small Ensemble — 2003 Detroit Music Awards
The Dearing Concert Duo's third CD introduces Abha Dearing's soprano voice for the first time. The album traces 20th-century works from Spain, Argentina, and Brazil — a more elegantly formal sound world than its predecessor, steeped in the nationalist classical traditions of Spain, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina.
The husband-and-wife duo turn to Latin music for voice and guitar, with Steven's secure technique and judicious balance of rhythmic snap and lyrical flow highlighting the many solo performances, and the duets sporting a seductively intimate blend of voice and guitar. Recorded at Solid Sound Studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan in March 2003.
Featured composers
- Manuel de Falla — Siete Canciones Populares Españolas (Seven Spanish Songs)
- Joaquín Rodrigo — Spanish art songs
- Enrique Granados — Spanish art songs
- Heitor Villa-Lobos — Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5: Aria (Cantilena), in a deft arrangement for guitar and voice
- Maximo Diego Pujol — five preludes for solo guitar
- Francisco Tárrega — solo guitar selections
- Jorge Morel — Brazilian-flavored solo guitar works
Hear a sample
Manuel de Falla — En Jerez de la Frontera
Critical reviews
"For a self-produced group, the Dearing Concert Duo has been especially savvy about crafting albums with unique aesthetic identities… 'Romanza' introduces Abha Dearing's soprano for the first time. It's a lovely voice — sweet-tempered, buoyant, idiomatic in articulation and phrasing. Steven Dearing's secure technique and judicious balance of rhythmic snap and lyrical flow highlight the many solo performances, while the duet sports a seductively intimate blend of voice and guitar."
"Highlights include Spanish songs by Joaquín Rodrigo and Enrique Granados sung in a properly sultry style by Abha Dearing, as well as Heitor Villa-Lobos' familiar Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5… Steven Dearing displays his solo talents especially well in a set of five preludes for solo guitar by the Argentine composer Maximo Diego Pujol."
"The works are compositions based on traditional themes by the likes of Rodrigo, de Falla, Tárrega and Granados. Steven's vigorous readings of pieces by the Brazilian composer Jorge Morel are among the album's instrumental delights. Seven Spanish Songs, by Manuel de Falla, are richly textured miniatures sung as passionate art songs by Abha. This is both a departure and a redefining of their art for the Dearings."
2003 Detroit Music Award — Outstanding Classical Small Ensemble.
Listen anywhere
For program committees and gala selection panels — request a complimentary physical CD for review.