Guitar of the Americas

The music presented in this program explores guitar's evolution in Spain, tracing its origins from early influences in North Africa to its deeper roots in the Mandika Empire of the 11th century. We examine elements from both folk and classical traditions, highlighting the guitar's reconnection with its African heritage as it journeys to South America, where it absorbs influences from indigenous and African musical traditions. This fusion of diverse musical influences gives rise to a new and uniquely expressive musical language, perfectly suited to the guitar's versatility. Concluding the program, are Tomas Rodriguez’ own compositions, distinctive in their use of the Latin and African rhythmic landscapes and the contemplative and circular language of the Mandika kora music.

Pavana (Spain - Luys de Milan)
Folias Gallega (Spain - Santiago de Murcía)
Alborada Galega (Spain - Pascual Veiga)
Recuerdos a Sevilla (Spain - Manuel Serrapí)

Jarabi (Mandika Traditional - Toumani Diabate)
Danza Lucumí (Cuba - Ernesto Lecuona)
Choro Tipico No. 1 (Brazil - Heitor Villa Lobos)
Natalia (Venezuela - Antonio Lauro)
Sumu Gaga (Cuba - José Angel Navarro)
Reflexión (Tomas Rodriguez)

Tamalabaa (Tomas Rodriguez)
Landó para Maite (Tomas Rodriguez)

Beginning in Spain, the program delves into the early court music performed on the vihuela and explores how even these “classical” compositions were deeply rooted in Spanish folk traditions. Expanding our historical lens, we journey back to the Mandika Empire of the 11th century to examine the guitar's earliest sources. We pay homage to the profound influence of flamenco guitar on the Spanish musical tradition, even looking at how flamenco adapted folk music from Northern Spain. As the guitar makes its way to South America, it gives rise to a new compositional language, uniquely shaped by African, European, and Indigenous influences. This language takes diverse forms in each country, reflecting the distinct cultural sub-groups present in their respective regions. Through musical selections from Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil, the program seeks to illustrates these nuances.