he new CD, "His Own New Works", by Frank
Wallace is a vital and uplifting creation by an artist who has persistently focused his energies to bring audiences music that enriches life. Mr. Wallace has been performing for more than a quarter century. He is a
formidable classical guitarist, as one realizes upon listening to this CD.
His activities as a performer of early music, singing, playing lute, vihuela
de mano, and early guitars, are well known by many from his work with singer Nancy Knowles (they are husband and wife) and the evolutionary incarnations of the Live Oak Ensemble that have been active since the early 1980's.
This CD is made up of compositions completed during the last two years. The liner notes supply concise information about the circumstances surrounding the compositions. The statement, "While I do not consider my musical works programmatic," is interesting because many of Frank's compositions do have descriptive titles. The three movement composition, "From the Windy Place," that opens the CD is a good example of pieces with such titles. However, upon repeated hearings, it becomes clear that the purely musical values that we have here result from experiences that left a profound impression on the artist's whole being. The pieces themselves are not intended to transport listeners to different times, places or climates but I believe do share the sense of wonder, beauty and inspiration that the composer experienced with
us, the listeners. Rather than list all of the compositions by title, I
suggest that people get a copy of the CD and enjoy this music directly. Gyremusic.com will give you information on other releases put out by Gyre.
The diversity in Wallace's composition is impressive. Besides pieces that
have evocative titles, we have Blues, Fugues, Preludes, an etude, a chorale and compositions with other characteristic titles (Estampie, Cantiga, Complainte). There is music based on Shaker hymns and music inspired on the occasion of the loss of a loved one. What the music has in common is a well-developed sense of melody. This is evident in the simple monophonic "Etude 7", played on a guitar by Manuel Soto y Solares of Sevilla from around 1860. It is equally evident in the elaborate contrapuntal textures found in the Fugues other movements that are masterfully written and expertly played. In fact, counterpoint is meaningless if melody is weak. It is the strength of Wallace's melodies in both content and rendering that make this CD a joy for this reviewer.
The beautiful sound of the artist's Fleta guitar built in Barcelona in 1964
has to be mentioned when writing about this CD. Most guitarists know the reputation of these instruments. In short, for anyone who does not know, even during Ignacio Fleta's lifetime, the demand for his instruments was such that they were hard to get and his waiting list out lived him. There are highly respected luthiers today that have models based on Fleta's guitars, Richard Brune being one. A true Renaissance person, Wallace did the recording and engineering himself for this production. His choice of a great acoustic environment in which to record really brings forward the richness of the Fleta's sound in Frank,s hands.
It is important to note Frank Wallace's acknowledgement of his late mentor, Marleen Montgomery here. She introduced him to the Shaker tune, "The Stubborn Oak" which has become the title of a composition that is an homage to Ms Montgomery. This brought back memories, for this reviewer, of a wonderful period in Boston's recent musical past and of people who have devoted their lives to music and the service of the beautiful.
I believe that all guitarists need to be aware of Frank Wallace's
compositions. You can obtain information about this music by emailing
info@gyremusic.com. The Stubborn Oak is published by Tuscany and is
available at all music stores that carry publishers represented by Theodore Presser.
Let's celebrate the fact that Frank Wallace is emerging as a performer and composer who is creating music of substance and beauty. We are fortunate to be here at a time when performer and composer are the same person . That this person has written this music to share with other performers is even better. Add this CD to your collection and enjoy it often.
he new CD, "His Own New Works", by Frank
Wallace is a vital and uplifting creation by an artist who has persistently focused his energies to bring audiences music that enriches life. Mr. Wallace has been performing for more than a quarter century. He is a
formidable classical guitarist, as one realizes upon listening to this CD.
His activities as a performer of early music, singing, playing lute, vihuela
de mano, and early guitars, are well known by many from his work with singer Nancy Knowles (they are husband and wife) and the evolutionary incarnations of the Live Oak Ensemble that have been active since the early 1980's.