Carlos Piñana (l) and Miguel Ángel (right)
I’m writing this piece after the fact. One of Spain’s greatest, Carlos Piñana, if not “the greatest” flamenco guitarist, along with master percussionist Miguel Ángel Orengo Vicente, returned to Austin after a year to enchant and swoon the intimate audience gathered at his three concerts.
According to Joe Williams, Program Director at Austin Classical Guitar, this return was “extremely rare. We hardly ever invite the same musician back because there are so many excellent talents in the world, but by popular demand we did so for Carlos Piñana.”
The two musicians are like two sides of the same coin. Their interaction is wordless and in synchronicity to such a degree that if they were blindfolded neither would miss a beat.
The original tune “Miranda,” written by Piñana, was about a small village in the south of Spain, close to Andalusia, named Miranda, not an outstanding village but one that made an impression on the guitarist. Using dangling keys by Miguel Ángel Orengo Vicente was highly original. I had never seen the tool used before, but its tinkling sound did the trick. He is self-composed with a countenance that belies a monk, despite the music being so overtly passionate. Vicente is the yin to Piñana’s yang energy.
Carlos Piñana carries flamenco in his blood. He’s the grandson of a legendary cantaor and son of a renowned guitarist, and has a brother who also plays guitar. Growing up in such a creative musical environment left its mark on the young Carlos, who has spent his life mastering this rich art form. As a celebrated performer and professor of flamenco guitar at the Murcia Superior Music Conservatory, his inspiring approach helps classical guitarists around the world unlock the rhythms, colors, and soul of flamenco, no matter where they hail from.
Carlos reminds me of his countryman Rafa. Both men are consummate professionals whose perfectionist approach refuses to allow them to back down from the intensity of their game. It’s a miracle to watch him play with such ferocity and not come up for air, even after diving headlong from one crescendo to the next. What sends chills up my spine is his method of strumming. The notes flutter like the wings of a crane up into the sky, similar to a lute, until there are no more clouds and you are left with pure blue.
For more information about upcoming events and ticket sales contact:
The Rosette
3908 Avenue B Suite 116
Austin, TX