The tonebase Classical Guitar Podcast, with David Steinhardt

In today's episode, David is joined by tonebase artist, pedagogue, chamber and solo performer Gabriel Bianco! Gabriel speaks of the importance of chamber music, and his recently released record with Quatuor Éclisses of Spanish arrangements for guitar quartet. Last month, Gabriel performed a livestream concert for tonebase on a romantic guitar: he described his period guitar collection which comprises of instruments from influential luthiers including Lacôte! He explains his concert choice of the Smallman in order to project suitably for live audiences, but how these period instruments may be effective within livestream and recording settings. A dedicated teacher, Bianco speaks about his newly appointed position at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. He also explains the genesis of his single left-hand fingered chromatic scale, and how he continues to incorporate this technique throughout his performance repertoire!  Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Asturias (Albeniz) -Quatuor Éclisses Sonata in C Major Mov. 4, Allegro Assai (BWV 1005) 

In today’s episode David speaks with the Vietnamese guitarist An Tran! An speaks of his musical development in Vietnam prior to moving to the states as a teenager. In his first three years in America An did not have access to guitar lessons and took a hiatus from the instrument. But fear not, while visiting Chicago Tran met Anne Waller who went on to teach An that summer and provide support for his musical endeavors. This brought inspiration for An to return to the guitar. In the second half of the interview An speaks of his newly released CD, "Stay, My Beloved". The record is comprised of traditional Vietnamese and folk music. An explains the inspiration to record this repertoire, and the return to his Vietnamese roots. Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Stay, My Beloved (Người Ơi, Người Ở Đừng Về) — The An, Nguyen The Legend of the Bamboo Child (Thánh Gióng) — The An, Nguyen

In today’s episode David speaks with classical recording engineer John Taylor. His extensive discography includes productions with David Russell, Ana Vidovic, Eliot Fisk, Xuefei Yang, Paco Pena, and Paul Galbraith. John outlines his philosophy on recording the classical guitar in both solo and chamber settings, and discusses microphone choices, microphone placements and acoustics. He also speaks in depth on the production side of recording a CD, working with different personalities in order to find the best artistic approach. The second half of the interview focuses on specific recording sessions, and John explains recording techniques within different musical and environmental contexts. Whether you are completely new to recording or an audio engineer yourself, this episode will give great insights for all levels of experience! Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue (Vida Guitar Quartet) Weiss Passacaglia in D major (Nigel North) Boccherini Quintet G 448, Fandango (Johan Löfving guitar, Consone String Quartet, Nanako Aramaki castanets)

In this week's episode David speaks with classical guitarist, tonebase artist and composer, Laura Snowden! A scholar of the Julian Bream Trust, Laura has premiered several works commissioned by Bream himself. She speaks of her experiences working with Bream and composers including Julian Anderson, to develop a series of concerts at The Wigmore Recital Hall. A versatile composer herself, Laura describes compositional techniques including unique chamber ensemble instrumentation and incorporating the voice in spoken and tonal effects. Laura also talked about her folk ensemble, Tir Eolas, and how important it is to connect with audiences in both classical and non-classical settings.  Today's release happens to be Laura's birthday: a very happy birthday from the tonebase community!  Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Light Perpetuum (Snowden) -Vida Guitar Quartet, Amy Green saxaphone Aida (Tir Eolas)

In today's episode, David is joined by classical guitarist Evan Taucher! Having thousands of followers, Evan spoke of the importance to utilize social media as 21st-century musician. In the second half of their conversation, David and Evan were joined by Phil Goldenberg and Hannah Murphy: co-founders of Ex-Aequo Artists. The trio discussed the inception of the organization along with their recent online guitar festival and competition which comprised of 144 competitors! They also spoke about current and future projects including a guitar pedagogy family tree.  Special thanks to Hannah and Phil for the guest appearances.  Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Pavana Capricho (Albéniz) Bloomed (Taucher)

Join David for a conversation with tonebase artist, pedagogue, and virtuoso, Rene Izquierdo! Rene spoke of his former teachers along with his move from Cuba to Miami, eventually leading to pursuing a Master's at the Yale School of Music with Ben Verdery. A dedicated teacher, Izquierdo explained his teaching philosophies, and how he encourages many of his students to work through etude cycles including Aguado, Brouwer, and Coste. A talented transcriber, Rene explained his approaches to arranging pieces including Debussy's Arabesque No. 1!  Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Guajira a  Mi Madre (Rojas) Whirler of the Dance Mov. 3- Dance (Rivera)

In today’s episode, Grammy-Award winning guitarist Jason Vieaux calls in for an interview on recording, arranging, and composing. Jason spoke of his musical influences and how he incorporates his jazz arrangements into his own repertoire. While awaiting post-production for for his upcoming “Bach Volume II (works for violin)”, Jason explained his technical and musical approaches to Bach’s music. He also spoke of his Grammy-Award winning record “Play”, a collection of encores to celebrate 20 years of performing. During these times of social-distancing, Jason has turned to composition as a creative outlet. He hints that he may even record a solo CD of his compositions: a project we hope to see the light of day! Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Lute Partita in C minor, BWV 997: Gigue/Double In a Sentimental Mood (D. Ellington) -Vieaux arrangement Online Lessons with Jason:  https://artistworks.com/freelessons   https://artistworks.com/guitar-lessons-jason-vieaux

Join David in virtual conversation with soloist, chamber musician, and educator Isaac Bustos! Isaac spoke of his recent projects with The Texas Guitar Quartet including a recording of Nico Muhly’s composition for 12 guitars and choir with the Austin/Los Angeles Guitar Quartets. A dedicated teacher, Isaac explained his teaching philosophy and the importance of creating musical, emotional connections with audiences. As a soloist, Isaac has recorded several CDs including Canciones A Mi Madre: a record dedicated to his mother, comprised of her favorite pieces. Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Verano Porteño (Piazzolla) Overture to “Egmont”, Op. 84 (Beethoven) -Texas Guitar Quartet, Bustos arrangement

In today’s episode, David speaks with the Grammy-Award winning microtonal guitarist John Schneider. Throughout the interview, John explains the fundamentals of microtonality/temperaments, and their differences with atonality. To achieve these timbres, John performs on many different instruments including guitars with interchangeable fretboards! As founder of Microfest Records, John is a dedicated recording engineer. He spoke of his approach to recording the solo guitar, and his work with the legendary engineer David Royer: designer for Royer and Mojave microphones!  Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Suite No. 2: I Jahla (Harrison) -Amy Shulman, John Schneider, Gene Sterling Rhythmicon I (Scholz)

In today’s episode, David sits down with classical guitarist and composer Brian Head. An orchestral musician of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Brian spoke of his work with conductors including Gustavo Dudamel and Michael Tilson Thomas. He also talked about his experience recording the orchestra’s Grammy-nominated performance of Frank Zappa's 200 Motels: a suite for choir, orchestra, and rock band. A dedicated composer, Brian talked about the inception of Sketches for Friends, which includes the popular Brookland Boogie often performed by Bill Kanengiser! Now a professor of practice and assistant dean of academics at USC, Brian reflected on the legacy of Jim Smith, founder of the classical guitar department. Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Canticles Mov III (Bogdanovic) -Greif/Head Prayers (Bogdanovic) -USC Edge/Head/Kanengiser

Join David in conversation for the season 4 premiere with the Scottish guitarist, Ian Watt! Ian spoke of his competition approaches, and his experience placing 2nd at the Parkening International Guitar Competition at the age of 18. As a lecturer at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Ian is a dedicated teacher and spoke of the importance of studying traditional repertoire during undergraduate degrees. He also spoke of the development of one’s artistic voice, how it should not be rushed or manufactured. Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Sonata Mov. IV, Allegro con Brio (Jose) Invocacion y Danza

Join David for a conversation with the British and Chilean guitarist, Emmanuel Sowicz for the season 3 finale! Emmanuel has placed first in competitions across the UK, Chile, and Argentina. He explained his mental mindset on preparing and performing in competitions, and how he placed first at the "Dr. Luis Sigall" International Music Competition with the flu! After winning the 2018 London International Guitar Competition, Sowicz became a Eurostrings artist, leading to an 8-country European tour and a performance for Arvo Part and Sting! Sowicz spoke of his approaches to transcribing music, to find opportunities instead of limitations from the guitar. He also spoke of the political unrest in Chile, and how incorporating and commissioning Chilean music into his repertoire has been healing on a personal and emotional level. Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Scarlatti: Sonate K. 178 in D (trans. David Russell) Violeta Parra: Gracias a la vida (arr. Emmanuel Sowicz) -Open Strings Berlin recording

Join David for a conversation with chamber musician and soloist, Matthew Greif! Greif has a unique musical background, playing in his family band as a kid, and later transitioning to classical and jazz guitar. Matt spoke of his solo CDs and passion for improvisation, which led to duet recordings with composer Dusan Bogdanovic. He also spoke in detail on the audition process for joining the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Recent projects for LAGQ include commissions from the impressionist composer Allan Willcocks and jazz legend Pat Metheny. Matt talked about the collaborations and unique process of recording these monstrous works with Metheny/Willcocks as producers! Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Milano Fantasia No. 30 Allan Willcocks Suite Transcendent: V Danza Diabolica -Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

Join David for an exciting conversation with Ben Verdery! In this installment of the two-part episode, Ben spoke of his 20th year teaching at his Maui Masterclass and as Professor of Guitar at The Yale School of Music for 35 years. Last year, Thomas Donahue published the book Benjamin Verdery: A Montage of a Classical Guitarist. Ben spoke about his contribution writing an extensive essay on his thoughts/approaches to performing, composing, arranging, teaching, and recording. Ben was humbled from all the colleagues who wrote reflections of their friendship and inspiration. He felt this book portrays the extraordinary classical guitar scene of New York City. Ben tells the story of how he used to be neighbors with master luthier Thomas Humphrey. One day Humphrey called Ben and said you *have* to come downstairs immediately. He ran over to find the Assad Brothers playing in Humphrey’s studio, right before their New York debut: a life changing moment! Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Scenes from Ellis Island (Verdery) -Ben Verdery/Simon Powis guitars, Guilherme Monegatto cello, Hawa Kasse Mady Diabate vocals Leonard Bernstein Sonata for Clarinet and Piano Mov. 1, Grazioso -arranged for Guitar and String Quartet (Verdery)

In today’s episode, David is joined by the entertaining and talented Scottish guitarist, Matthew McAllister! A week away from the Big Guitar Weekend (in partnership with BBC Radio 3), Matthew spoke of his work with the festival along with this year's exciting lineup of artists. He also discussed the direction of his own festival, Classical Guitar Retreat: a beautiful week on the Island of Cumbrae. As explained by Matthew, the acoustics of Cumbrae’s cathedral are perfect for the classical guitar: he in fact has chosen to record several CDs on location over the years! McAllister’s recordings are conceptually programmed, producing a meaningful record that steers away from a “Greatest Hits” styled CD. Matt explained his approach to choosing repertoire for both recordings/concerts, and how his programmatic choices sometimes differ while touring in China. Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Spatter the Dew (McAllister) String Quartet No. 3 VI. Mishima-Closing (Phillip Glass) -McAllister, Neave, Baric, Savaloni

In today’s episode, David is joined by our second flamenco guitarist on the show: Kai Narezo! Along with being a great performer, Kai is a dedicated teacher and talented recording engineer. Throughout their conversation, Kai spoke about his approach and philosophy on teaching the flamenco guitar. He has recently published a new method, Flamenco Explained: The Guitarist’s Survival Guide and has started one of the first university flamenco programs at CSU Dominguez Hills. As a producer, Kai has recorded every video for Guitar Salon International’s extensive library. He spoke about his microphone choices and mixing techniques to produce a clear, realistic, and beautiful sound to help reveal the true character of each instrument. While there is no official Guinness World Record, it is believed that Kai has recorded the most classical guitars out of any engineer! Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Bulerias De Kai Marchena (Sevillanas)

While visiting London, David had a chance to sit down with Mark Eden of the Vida Guitar Quartet and Eden Stell Guitar Duo. Throughout their conversation, Mark discusses his approach to arranging, ensemble programming, and directing The Winchester Guitar Festival (which takes place October 3rd-7th)! https://www.winchesterguitarfestival.co.uk Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) S. Assad Pintoe (Eden Stell) Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 (arr. Eden): Aria: Cantilena (VIDA Quartet/Amy Green)

Join David for an exciting conversation with the Welsh composer/guitarist Steve Goss for the season 3 premier of The tonebase Classical Guitar Podcast! Throughout the interview, Steve discusses his compositional approaches/techniques and recent commissions with guitar legends Aniello Desiderio, Zoran Dukic, and John Williams. Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Goss: Park of Idols Mov I. Jump Start (Annie Jacobs-Perkins/David Steinhardt) Goss: Theorbo Concerto Mov IV. Finale (Matthew Wadsworth/Scottish Chamber Orchestra) Goss: Guitar Concerto Finale: Allegro Molto (John Williams/Royal Philharmonic Orchestra)

In the first installment of a two part episode, David sits down with recording artist and professor of guitar at the Yale School of Music, Ben Verdery. Ben speaks about his exciting, contemporary collaborations with the 2016 American Beatboxing Champion Mark Martin and Andy Summers (of The Police). He also talks about his video productions, and how he captured a magical performance of Bach's Chaconne despite weather postponements and having his car towed the day of the shoot! Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) From Aristotle (Martin/Verdery) Bach Cello Suite No. 4 Prelude (BWV 1010)

In today's conversation, David is joined by the Slovenian guitarist Mak Grgic. They discussed Mak's current projects including duets with Adam Del Monte (Duo Deloro), his microtonal record Makrotonal, and his founding of the organization Euro Strings.  Intro Music: Couperin Les Sylvains (Scott Tennant) Dahab-Jaleo (Del Monte) Lute Sonata No. 23 in A Minor (Weiss)