In the excellent USC series, Visions and Voices, I was thrilled to hear the excellent performance by Lorenzo Micheli and Matteo Mela, classical guitar duo, SoloDuo. Following each of three commentaries relating to the composer Tedesco, SoloDuo played two Preludes and Fugues from Tedesco's, "Les Guitares bien temperees" op. 199 (1962) for a total of six. My favorite was the last Prelude et Fuges n. 24 in C minor. I was quite complex and challenging for guitar. Their playing was extremely sensitive. Important melodic lines shared by the performers clearly emerged from the overall texture even in pianissimo. Their sense of ensemble was superb; their technical mastery unchallenged.
During the impressive Italian themed reception William Kanengiser, guitar faculty, USC, pointed out that SoloDuo's excellent togetherness could be seen in their seating position, resembling a "V" whereby each musician can view the hands of the other. Kanengiser comented, "You can't hear the sound until the finger leaves the string."
The commentary was spotty. I was quite disappointed hearing USC professor Alessio Filoppi "READ" when the program writes, "...DISCUSSES the ancestral roots of the composer..." Progfessor Head's discussion was lack luster. Finally, Dr. Westby's delivery brought some life, personal experience, and interest to the night.
