Search - Florian Larousse, Dowland, Regondi :: Guitar Recital

Great Young Guitarist

Oscar O. Veterano | 07/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Florian Larousse - GUITAR RECITAL - Naxos



As 2009 winner of the Guitar Foundation of America's annual competition, 22 year old, French virtuoso Florian Larousse has issued his premiere recording as part of the Naxos Laureate Series.

First recordings, in addition to showcasing a young musician's technical proficiency, often serve as a kind of artistic statement of intent and provide a clear initial indication of their potential. In Mr. Larousse's case, the indications are very hopeful, he has a subtlety and sureness of touch that allows him to adapt himself to the varied repertoire, spanning more than 350 years of music, presented here.

Beginning with three compositions by John Dowland (including the famous "Lachrimae Pavan", played with a subdued delicacy which is especially effective), Mr. Larousse then presents music of the romantic era; the guitarist/composer Giulio Regondi's music has often been neglected, an injustice somewhat mitigated here by a virtuoso, tour de force rendering of his "Introduction et Caprice".

It is, however, Mr. Larousse's selections from contemporary guitar repertoire, which provide the greatest interest. Antonio Jose's "Sonata" presents an 18th century structure (including a minuet) written utilizing 20th century harmonic progressions, modulations and key shifts. Mr. Larousse's penchant for modernist guitar music is even more evident in his choice of Nuccio D'Angelo's "Due Canzoni Lidie"; with its jazz and flamenco influences and scordatura tuning (2nd string, B flat, 6th string E flat), this is about as far from Bach or Sylvius Leopold Weiss as one can get.

Rounding out this ambitious program is romantic composer Napoleon Coste's "O. 31", played, like everything else on this recording, with great feeling and taste. Florian Larousse plays with all the energy one would expect of a 22 year old and a mature understanding and depth of feeling beyond his years, all of which marks him as a musician to be reckoned with. This CD is very highly recommended.

Oscar O. Veterano

"