Platero y Yo: An Andalusian Elegy
Michael Kolk
Independent
michaelkolkguitar.com
As I write this, the weather outside is seasonally grey and cold — so a disc titled Platero y Yo: An Andalusian Elegy featuring 20th century guitar music from sunnier climes performed by Michael Kolk seems the perfect antidote. Kolk’s first two recordings were as one half of the Henderson-Kolk guitar duo, but this is his first solo endeavour, presenting music by Manuel Ponce, Eduardo Sainz de la Maza, Augustin Barrios Mangoré and Joaquin Rodrigo. A native of Vancouver, Kolk studied at the University of Toronto where he earned a Master’s degree in guitar performance. Since then, he has appeared in Europe and North America, and has been the recipient of numerous first prizes in guitar competitions.
This disc is a gem! Taking for its title the name of an eight-movement suite by de la Maza, it opens with Ponce’s set of variations Theme varié et Finale from 1926. The mood is quietly introspective, and even in the brisker movements, Kolk achieves a wonderful sense of intimacy. De la Maza’s suite that follows comprises an appealing set of contrasts, apparently inspired by a book by Spanish author Juan Jiménez. Four charming waltzes by Paraguayan composer Barrios Mangoré precede Rodrigo’s Introdución y Danza, a brief but notable example of that composer’s affable style.
While all of these pieces were composed during the 20th century, there’s nothing avant-garde about them and Kolk’s sensitive and technically flawless performance further enhances their charm. Platero y Yo, (with its attractive packaging) is indeed the perfect disc to savour on a cold winter’s day — or for that matter, any time of year.
