Rock and Roll for Grownups

What could be more sensual than the sounds of the tango, that high, powered, rhythmic dance of Latin countries? And what better voice for it than two guitars, the Spanish-bred instrument that itself has become the voice of classical music's more sensual side. While guitar duos are common in folk, country, rock, and jazz, they are rarely heard on the classical concert stage. Yet one duo is changing all that, the young and talented Michael Newman and Laura Oltman, who have created a new musical style: what they call "rock and roll for grownups."

This recording features contemporary compositions specifically written with the capabilities of two guitars in mind. The title work, "Tango Suite," is written by the well, known Spanish composer, Astor Piazzolla (b.1921). It expresses all of the emotionality of the tango, with the intense rhythmic drive of dance music wedded to the more mature voice of contemporary classical works. The guitarists themselves say, "If rock and roll is about young men yearning for young women, then tango is about old men yearning for young women." The composer, after hearing the guitarists' interpretation of this work, noted that although it contains great passion which gives the illusion of a freely improvised structure, it is quite tightly written and that he expected performers to hew closely to the score. Anyone trying to dance to this music, Piazzolla insists, should be shot!

The two other major works on this recording are also of Spanish lineage. Joaquin Rodrigo's (b. 1902) Tandilla also shows the influence of folk rhythms and melodies. Within this context, the composer introduces purposely dissonant harmonics, to interrupt what would otherwise be a rather idyllic mood. It is this juxtaposition of lush harmonies with dissonant moments that gives this work its unique, modern flavor. 

Cuban composer Leo Brouwer's (b. 1939) Micro Piezas were written in homage to Darius Milhaud, the French modernist who did so much to champion Spanish-influenced music. Brouwer's harmonies are the most advanced of these Spanish works, yet surprisingly they are the least dissonant or jarring. In fact, these works have a distinctly soothing, French flavor, fitting for a set dedicated to Milhaud.

The recording is rounded off with works by two contemporary French composers, Jean Francaiz's (b. 1921) "Divertissement" and Pierre-Petit's (b. 1922) "Toccata." The French works reflect the Paris Conservatory/Milhaud style, being short musical interludes that embody emotions captured in the moment. An arrangement of Lennon and McCartney's "Fool on the Hill" rounds out the collection, that underscores the notion that this is "rock and roll for grownups."

Guitarists Newman and Oltman met at the Aspen Music Festival in 1977 and have been performing together ever since. They are in residence at the Mannes College of Music in New York and have been recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts Recitalist Fellowship. Their travels have taken them across the country and around the world. Laura Oltman studied with Luisa Sanchez de Fuentes, Bruce Holzman, Oscar Ghiglia, and Andres Segovia; she currently teaches guitar at Princeton, Rutgers, and New York universities. Michael Newman studied under Thomas Anthony, Albert Valdes Blain, and Osca Ghiglia. He is on the faculty of The Mannes College of Music. They have recorded as soloists, a duo, and with other groups.