Villanos

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Comment by Rob MacKillop on June 8, 2009 at 9:04am

Francisco, what you are doinbg is great, so you don't really need a larger continuo group. I look forward to good recordings some day. Keep up the good work!

Comment by Francisco Valdivia on June 6, 2009 at 1:47pm

Rob, the recording - and its story - is a bit odd. My lackness of terms in good English doesn't allow me to express it accurately. :) The presence of mikes, that forced us to be far apart than usual, wasn't up to anything. The sound quality seems to be rather poor in most speakers, although I have my computer connected to a sound sistem and I can put it loud enough to hear it ok.
If you listen to the "Bacas" video, you'll be able to hear a better balance between the two instruments. I have to think about replacing the youtube videos, since this sounds much better.
From an artistic point of view, it would be better both musically as visually to have a small continuo group, but we don't have the means right now. The same happens with the other group. We wish to play large ensemble music, but there are no economical or human resources to develop it. I have a double harp and beleiveme I'm dying to sell, or donate, it to someone who could play with me! Anyway, there are evidences of the two - guitar and violin - being an habitual couple, and that's a bit of the idea of the program.
Well, Thanks a lot! I'm also watching your videos and enjoying so much.

Comment by Rob MacKillop on June 6, 2009 at 1:01pm

Francisco,

I have listened to the videos on youtube. I think you are doing something very worthwhile - good research, good arrangements and good playing. Well done. I do wish, though, that there could be one or two more instruments on the continuo line. Although your playing is excellent, the difference in volume between the instruments is very great, but maybe a better recording and better speakers on my laptop would help. Maybe a Spanish harp and viol to strengthen the bass line? Well, that's just my thoughts. I enjoyed the performances.

Comment by Francisco Valdivia on June 4, 2009 at 10:24pm

Thanks for your interest. You can watch the rest of the clips here: http://www.youtube.com/user/Cifrasyletras
This is a work of reconstruction of the- only partially existing - repertoire for solo violin in 17c Spain. Carlos Jaime and I are beginning playing recitals and we hope - in some time - to publish a book with the arrangements. The Villanos is made from Martín y Coll and a newly discovered manuscript of violin music that probably belonged to an italian violinist from the Capilla Real.
Please tell me what you think when you see the videos.
Regards,
Francisco

Comment by Rob MacKillop on June 4, 2009 at 7:41pm

Very interesting, Francisco. I'd like to hear more.