“Luigi Boccherini’s Guitar Quintet in D Major G 448 (1798) featuring Andrew Blanch on guitar and a demanding virtuoso cello part (Liam Meany) opened with a graceful, elegant first movement that was simply divine. Andrew Blanch on guitar was in assertive voice yet also in fine rapport with his colleagues. You could hear the Spanish influences throughout. The second movement began briskly and was vibrant and fast with circular melodies. The third movement had a melancholy, limpid and aching opening which led to contrasting fiery repeated rhythms. The final movement with its infectious melodies included a buzzing, very fast duet for cello and guitar with mini solos for both.”
Review in Full: Willoughby Symphony Chamber Series – Tall Tales