Pictured above is classical guitarist Julie Goldberg who played in concert sponsored by Springfield Classical Guitar Society February 16. (photo by Job Conger)
This isn’t a review; it’s an observation, intended for readers who don’t know Agustin Barrios Mangore from Leo Brower and don’t particularly want to know. To be honest, I can tell Ellington on the piano from Brubeck, but I can’t tell Antigoni Goni from Christopher Parkening, even though I know their names and love their music. And there was a time when I didn’t know any of the above. People sometimes stumble into music that appeals, they become fans and maybe they even take lessons. The purpose of my observation is to encourage you to get to know Julie Goldberg and Springfield Classical Guitar Society (SCGS).
I’ve attended every SCGS concert since 2002. The first one I attended presented Julie. She was relatively new to the concert gauntlet after being named Guitarist of the Year by Classical Guitar Alive, a syndicated radio show. I was new to the concert scene though I must say if I had never met Springfieldian (native of Nawlins, Lweeziana, y’all) Russel Brazzel and heard him play at Capitol Cafe, I never would have made it to First Presbyterian Church for the “Goldberg variations.” Linus has his blankee; I had my camera, and I imagined I could do more with it than my distant relative and sucker of thumbs does with soggy flannel. I enjoyed the concert so much I’ve hung around ever since and launched a web site dedicated to classical guitar artists who play SCGS concerts. www.civag.com/classical6images.com
The Society has brought national names to this town, right under the noses of good people inclined toward the classical but perhaps put off by the prospect of hearing music of composers they don’t know. “Where’s the Mozart? Where’s the Ravel? Tell Tchaikovsky the news!” I have come to appreciate visiting artists who, like Julie, engage the audience.
There’s room in the classical rainbow for all colors. Even now, there are featured performers who are as exclusively focused on the the task of playing the notes as Bobbie Fischer played Boris Spaasky a gazillion years ago. They reflect the feelings Eliza Doolittle shared, regarding something wholly other when she sang, “This is no time for a chat.” This is why some physicians consider “bedside manner” a terciary concern. Folks going under for an angilplasty probably don’t review how aloof the doctor was when visiting them the day before. The just want him or her to get his shint together if you know what I mean. What’s wrong with that?
The concert public are not looking for a standup Robin Williams routine when they come to hear music; that’s for sure. But starting with Leonard Bernstein and others in the 60s, and today exemplified by Karen Lynn Deal with the Illinois Symphony and some talented classical guitarists, audiences have been engaged by more than beautiful music. That’s what Russel B. and Julie G. did, and that’s why I keep coming back. As for other guitarists who take the classic “chatty as stone” approach, they also make nice. I wish them all the best.
Consider the typical Springfield concert ticket buyer. Most have a general idea that “diamonds” (I amost said “gold” . . . . too easy.) will be harvested from the experience, and if not diamonds, at least a good evening, away from Cops and America’s Most Wanted. The talking artist gives the audience more to take home, more to remember, more to tell their friends about, even if they don’t buy their CDs and accidentally leave the printed program where they sat. All that glitters is not allegro Albinez. The performer glitters too.
The nifty thing about Julie Goldberg is that the repartee was as convivial in 2008 as it was years ago. The quality of artistry was noticably, memorably improved. There was more than practice and polish shared. We learned about what she was about to play, this and that. We learned something to take home with us, to echo in our heads and hearts even after Gus and the weather forecast. Nothing profound. I can’t remember a word she said, but I remember the joy, the smile, even when mastering a challenging riff in her memorized selections. She still has only one CD for sale, Dulce, reviewed at my web site and worth a listen. Julie told me a second CD is in process, but the process isn’t as easy as one might imagine. She runs hot and cold with it.
I hope when that second release goes out to the public, Julie Goldberg will return to Springfield for another concert. Even before would be good. And when you encounter that name in central Illinois, come on down, buy your ticket and be inspired with diamonds of melody and harmony. You might even want to take lessons!
Did I mention Russel Brazzel teaches classical guitar?
Bravo Joyeux Julie for a fine concert. I look forward to your return!
Live long . . . . and proper.
