Canciones en Espanolas

4.80 (5)

Canciones en Espanolas

2 performances between Aug. 29, 2014 and Aug. 30, 2014
Pop/Classical/Opera/Spanish
Directed by Zanne Stapelberg •Performed by James Grace & Zanne Stapelberg
65mins
Zanne teams up with guitar virtuoso James Grace for a riveting musical experience in “Canciones en Espanolas” (Songs in Spanish). Popular and exotic classical music are combined in contemporary Spanish songs to form a richly textured tapestry of sound.

Intense, playful, passionate and magical – “Canciones en Espanolas” consists of indigenous Spanish melodies by Enrique Granados and Manual de Falla, as well as music by the Argentinean tango composer Astor Piazzolla.

There is also music from the soundtracks of popular movies “Frida” (Lila Downs) and “Don Juan de Marco“ (arrangement Bryan Adams), as well as  a new composition by Matthys van Dijk on a poem from Pablo Neruda’s “Book of Questions”.
TRIPLE KUJDOS FOR THIS DUO

By Jeff Brukman, Contributing Editor, Cue

Zanne Stapelberg will mesmerise you, entice you, cajole you and ensnare you in her captivating recital of spanish songs. Admirably supported by guitarist James Grace, the complete Latin experience unfolds in a spectacle of fire, passion, pathos and beguiling sensitivity.

ln a magnificenly executed opening, Grace's truly fantastic guitar playing conjures up images, sounds and smells of the Latin spanish world. This is musicianship of another order, where the listener is transported to a fantasy world of wonderment and beauty.

Stapelberg uses every possible inflection and fibre in her being to interpret a range of Spanish songs with fantastic and alluring theatricality. This is not mere singing: it is drama emanating right from the core of her sensibilities.

From the fragility of Tonadillas to the passionately inspired Milonga from Maria de Buenos Aires, Stapelberg takes the audience on an emotional journey which is invigorating and awe inspiring.

Mas alla del Arco is, arranged by Swellendam composer Braam du Toit, sees Stapelberg traversing intricately shaped melodic lines with a bewildering ease of accomplishment.

Fablo Neruda, specially commissioned by Stapelberg from South African composer Matthjis ran Dijk, displays her prawess as a saxophonist, soprano and percussionist.

This rernarkable work, which skilfully captures the essence of the text and Spanish flair is as much a part of the programme as those works composed by Piazzolla, Villa-Lobos and de Falla.

Stapelber"g and Grace's ensemble is the creatire pirrot around which this recital revolves; their subtle cormmunication, artistic awareness and perfect sense of dramatic timing allow song after song to become a living entity" This is especialty apparent in the tenderly eurcatire duet Quando la ames.

The zest with which Stapelberg approaches this recital proves that she does not see her craft as a job or a calling * it is far more than that - her passion for performance is the essential ingredient in her lire. She remains one of
South Africa's most prolifically talented an engaging artist

Canciones Espanolas has been without a shadow of a doubt the highlight of my Festiral 2009. Bravo! Bravo !!

Audience Responses

Excellent show! Beautifully talented artists.

Teresa • Attended Aug. 30, 2014, 8 p.m.
5.0

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Very unusual ensemble and a treat to experience it. In summary: Uplifting!

Katherine • Attended Aug. 30, 2014, 8 p.m.
5.0

What talent! Zanne Stapelberg " gee my die grille" especially on those dark and deep notes. Her love of Spanish, English and Afrikaans flows through the performance and enriches ones own appreciation of the languages. James Grace's virtuosity always amazes me. His quiet presence makes for a wonderful partnership. He seems unaware that he Cape Town's version of Forty Shades of George Clooney. Clooney and Callas?.

Bev • Attended Aug. 29, 2014, 8 p.m.

Dit was fantasties! Presies waarvoor my siel gesmag het :) EN mal oor die produksie in Afrikaans!