Ron Dolan interviews Pepe Romero August 2014
During the course of 2014, I was approached to assist the editor of the local Sydney fine music radio station, FineMusic 102.5, interview the classical guitar legend and maestro, Pepe Romero. Pepe was visiting Sydney for a series of concerts in celebration of his long and invaluable contribution to the classical guitar as well as his upcoming seventieth birthday. Being a great fan of the Romero family of classical guitarists, and more specifically, Pepe Romero, I naturally agreed to undertake the project.
My admiration of Pepe’s artistry began many years ago when I purchased his recording of the complete Giuliani guitar concertos. In my personal opinion, these concertos dance with a sparkle and vibrancy that make virtuosic demands of the guitarist both from an interpretation as well as a technical proficiency perspective.
Pepe’s clear understanding of the demands of Giuliani’s concertos is evident throughout his production of a set of recordings that I have not heard equalled by another guitarist to this day. I am sure his recordings would have brought a broad smile of satisfaction to the face of Mauro Giuliani, had he the opportunity to hear Pepe’s recordings.
As I grew to appreciate Pepe’s artistry, I became a fervent follower of his music and more recently, I have become an avid exponent of his interpretation of Tarrega’s Recuerdos de le Alhambra as well as the rendition of Rodrigo’s Concerto de Aranjuez. In his interview, you will note his humorous comments concerning his rendition of the concerto in front of the esteemed composer, Joaquin Rodrigo.
I had the privilege to attend Pepe’s live performance of the Concerto de Aranjuez at the Sydney Opera House in August 2014, and apart from gaining enormous enjoyment from his artistry, I also naturally purchased a CD set consisting of the compilation of his work during his lifetime.
I hope that you enjoy reading the article as much as I enjoyed ‘conducting’ the interview!
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