We saw him in concert at Northwestern University in Evanston, just north of Chicago, a beautiful venue on Lake Michigan. In addition to Bach Lute Suite in A Minor there was music of Gaspar Sanz, Dionisio Aguado, a short piece by Takemitsu, Torroba, and Albeniz (Mallorca, Torre Bermeja). The recital hall is cozy, and we were in the first row. Barrueco gave a short talk before the Takemitsu, who was a great friend and influence.
Barrueco is a lyrical and elegant player. It would be hard to imagine him accompanying a Flamenco Dance troupe. The Bach is the work that I was most familiar with. The second movement is a slow movement, one of those Bach gems where time seems to stand still. The third movement is a vigorous dance with a strong bass line, and most players launch into it energetically to emphasize the contrast with what came before. Barrueco instead plays it more low key in tempo and dynamics, which instead of contrast provides more continuity.
Barrueco is a lyrical and elegant player. It would be hard to imagine him accompanying a Flamenco Dance troupe. The Bach is the work that I was most familiar with. The second movement is a slow movement, one of those Bach gems where time seems to stand still. The third movement is a vigorous dance with a strong bass line, and most players launch into it energetically to emphasize the contrast with what came before. Barrueco instead plays it more low key in tempo and dynamics, which instead of contrast provides more continuity.