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) 

The tonebase Classical Guitar Podcast, with David Steinhardt

S4 E11: Gabriel Bianco

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

S4 E10: An Tran

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)

S4 E9: John Taylor

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)

S4 E8: Laura Snowden

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)

S4 E7: Evan 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)

S4 E6: Rene Izquierdo

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

S4 E5: 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

S4 E4: Isaac Bustos

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) 

S4 E3: John Schneider

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

S4 E2: Brian Head

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

S4 E1: Ian Watt

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 

S3 E7: Emmanuel Sowicz

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

S3 E6: Matthew Greif

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)

S3 E5: Ben Verdery Part II

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

S3 E4: Matthew McAllister

Classical guitar fanatic? Casual hobbyist? Segovia disciple? Regardless of your diagnosis, the tonebase Classical Guitar Podcast with David Steinhardt has the cure for you! Tune in every other Sunday for in-depth conversations with some of greatest minds in the classical guitar world. Guest artists include Scott Tennant, Judicael Perroy, Bill Kanengiser, Eliot Fisk, and Pepe Romero to list a few. Topics range from pedagogical philosophies, upcoming CD releases and performances, composing, arranging, all hosted by the by the entertaining personality and wit of David Steinhardt.

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The tonebase Classical Guitar Podcast, with David Steinhardt

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