Michael Silvestri guitarist

Michael Silvestri, a renowned classical guitarist, teacher, and performer, is now available for the presentation of concert performances and small group lecture/workshops for schools in southern Maine (grades 5-12).

Mr. Silvestri’s concert performance will offer students a highly entertaining, dynamic demonstration of the rich heritage of classical music written for the guitar. His performances also demonstrate, in a powerful and compelling way, the discipline, dedication, and hours of daily practice necessary to achieve this level of mastery over a musical instrument.

In the context of popular musical culture, so important in the lives of young people, the guitar is a foundation instrument. In a broader sense, the values of discipline and dedication basic to mastering the guitar, are also basic to success in any career young people may pursue.

A gifted teacher who has worked with hundreds of young guitar students, Mr. Silvestri is uniquely qualified to connect with students, both as an accomplished performer, and as a music educator introducing students to the rich and varied heritage of classical guitar music – music that has evolved over centuries, and significantly influences the popular music of today.

 
Mike Nobel, Singer/ Songwriter
 

December 7, 2006
Letter of Recommendation for Michael Silvestri

This November Michael Silvestri presented, A Chronology of Classical Guitar : Renaissance to Current Latin American Music, to students at Yarmouth High School in Maine. Michael tailored the hour-long concert in particular to students studying Spanish and guitar; however, all high school students who attended thoroughly enjoyed the rare opportunity to listen to an accomplished classical guitarist perform a variety of musical themes.

As Department Chair of Modern Language at Yarmouth High School I unequivocally recommend Michael Silvestri as a performer and teacher. Micheal was able to talk to the audience briefly as he introduced the various periods of classical guitar: Renaissance,Baroque, Spanish Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, and Contemporary, and then played pieces representative of that period. Students and faculty were impressed with his musical versatility as he deftly executed some of our great composer’s music from Gaspar Sanz to Sor and Tarrega and the flamenco music of Paco de Lucia and Juan Seranno..

Linda Hanson, Spanish Teacher (Dept. Chair), Yarmouth High School

The importance of making connections with academic studies and community members cannot be underestimated. I hope other schools will take advantage of this special opportunity. Some students and faculty have commented:
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 Michael Silvestri s playing is versatile, yet skillfully honed in every style that he performs. His presentation, which tracks the evolution of Spanish music through the ages, is not only informative; it is thought-provoking and entertaining. The relaxing effect of his playing is so potent that it can be compared to a sedative, though it does not put the listener to sleep out of boredom. Instead, the nostalgic and beautiful sounds guide the listener away from his worries, and puts him in a place of peace.

 Ami Robbins, jazz trumpet player, music major
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  From the first pluck of the strings, Michael Silvestri s guitar entrances the audience with its sweet Spanish melodies. Michael’s repertoire of traditional Spanish and South american guitar represents music of all eras, from 15th Century Renaissance to the more contemporary Milonga music of Argentina. As the listener is enraptured by sweeping arpeggios and graceful harmonies, he or she also grows to appreciate the subtle evolution of music through the ages. Michael’s performance not only relaxes the audience;it inspires them with the song of a beautiful culture.

  Nicholas Richmond, guitar player and A.P. Spanish student
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The concert with Michael Silvestri was a masterful display of deftness and control, passion and precision. Students were attentive for a very long time during the concert and had very positive things to say afterward, especially about the style of playing that sounds like two guitars playing at once.

  I thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

Mary Highland Spanish Teacher Levels II & III
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Michael provided a wonderful introduction to the world of classical guitar for our students. His original compositions were my favorite part of the program. what a terrific command of the instrument he has!

Rick Dustin Music Instructor

A Chronological History of the Classical Guitar - from the Renaissance to the Present Performed and presented by classical guitarist Michael Silvestri. An hour long concert/lecture designed for schools - grades 5 - 12 exploring the musical and historical aspects of one of our most popular musical instruments - the guitar. Beginning with Renaissance music thru the Classical period then digressing towards a more popular Spanish/ Flamenco/ Latin American style which can be related to the rhtymic styles of todays pop/ latin/ hip hop music.

 Program
 1. Pavanne - Luis Milan ( Renaissance) A pavanne is a stately courtly type piece of music. This piece written in 1600 originally for the vihuela ( ancestor of the guitar) is one of 6 pavannes that Milan composed.
Pavane I (Milan) click here Pavane to listen


2. Folias ( Sanz) Here is an example of a piece from the early Baroque based on a popular Spanish folk melody. click on Folias to listen

3. Gavottes I & II - J.S. Bach ( Baroque ) Here are 2 excerpts from the 6th cello suite composed by the baroque master. This is an arrangement for the guitar.

4. Grand Overture - M Guiliani ( Classical ) Composed for the present modern day guitar by the Italian composer Giuliani

5. Variations on a Theme on an Aria from Mozarts Magic Flute - Sor (Classical/Romantic) Click here to listen Variations on a Theme Another guitar composition in classic variations form from one of the greatest Spanish composers for the classical guitar - Fernando Sor. Here is an example of a Spanish composer - taking an aria (a song) from one of the great masters ( Mozart) - and doing a variations on the theme.

6. Spanish Dance # 5 - Granados ( Romantic ) Originally composed for the piano from a series of pieces Granados wrote.

7. Leyenda - Albeniz ( Romantic ) Another piece originally composed for the piano but utilizing the spanich folk element - or Flamneco style indicative of the Spanish gypsies.
click here Leyenda to listen

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 Here is where the program digresses to the contemporary Spanish Flamenco and Latin American music with 2 traditional Flamenco pieces and then original Latin American/ Flamenco influenced contemporary compositions.

8. For Olga Here is an example of contemporary Flamenco ( Spanish Folk music) , an original composition entitled For Olga.Click here For Olga to listen

9. From Otokath Here is an example of a South American rhthym from Argentina. Again , another original compostion utilizing the Milonga form. It is some what a tango when it gets going. Click here From Otokath to listen

10. My Afternoon Here is an example of a hybrid style of Flamenco and Jazz utilizing South American techniques as well. Click here My Afternoon to listen.

There is quite a difference in the music from the beginning of the program to the end. Demonstrated examples of musical styles on the guitar from early times to modern times.