| David recently premiered the 35-minute solo guitar piece he commissioned from one of America's greatest composers, David Del Tredici. The 4-movement work, called Facts of Life, received an ecstatic ovation from the sold-out audience at Symphony Space in New York. The commission was a joint effort by Leisner, John Jr. and James D'Addario, Ralph Jackson and 13 generous friends. Facts of Life will surely come to be recognized as a new masterwork in the literature for guitar. Besides performing it in upcoming solo recitals, David plans to record it soon for the Azica label. _________________________________________________________________________ Angelo Gilardino's intelligent, perceptive review of David Leisner's new Matiegka CD appeared in the November issue of the Italian music magazine, Suonare. Gilardino reported: "What sets David Leisner apart is the refinement of his phrasing, which he imbues with clear, convincing and original intentions...His playing is authoritative, without trying to appear so. And he succeeds marvelously, taking us through this entire recording without a single dull moment." For the full review, click here. (Scroll down to "Complete reviews") ____________________________________________________________________ Merion Music/Theodore Presser Co. has just agreed to publish ALL of David Leisner's currently unpublished compositions. This includes an orchestra piece, many vocal and chamber works and, of course, a number of works that include the guitar. They will be released a few at a time. Both Presser Co. and Leisner are proud to deepen their association for the future. Stay tuned for further details. ______________________________________________________________________ David's recent appearance at the Lidköping Music Festival in Sweden garnered a rave review from the local critic, Bo Borg. Here are a couple of excerpts: "The evening began with last year's favorite, American guitar ace David Leisner. He played the Bach Chaconne in a way that merged emotion and intellect into an alloy that can best be described as high art. Perhaps the greatest reward of his concert on Monday evening was when he introduced the music of the Czech (and incomprehensibly unknown) composer Wenzeslaus Matiegka (1773-1830). Rarely does one hear more rhythmically varied and beautiful music...Leisner showed once again [in the Villa-Lobos Etudes] that he is a musician that can make the impossible sound completely natural and 'close'. This can only be achieved by the greats." For the full review, click here. (Scroll down to "Complete reviews") _____________________________________________________________________ David's latest CD, Matiegka, the Beethoven of the Guitar, has received its first review. American Record Guide reports: "You will not be disappointed in this music or this performance...Leisner plays with the excellence we've come to expect. He is an assertive, sensitive, inventive, creative musician. He's discovered some truly substantial music in Matiegka, and he is delighted to share his enthusiasm." Leisner believes Wenzeslaus Matiegka (1773-1830 ) to be one of the most important guitar composers, if not the most important, of the 19th century. For more information on the CD, including where to buy it, click here. _________________________________________________________________________ The latest review of Classics and Discoveries, David Leisner's new concert DVD, appeared in Guitar Review. Critic Jim Tosone wrote: "My first thought on viewing Classics & Discoveries was that I would watch it once or twice more. I'm already up to five viewings, for there is something magical about watching a master guitarist performing these works." For more information on this DVD, click here. iTunes now has all of David's solo CDs on the Azica label, as well as his Naxos recording of the Hovhaness Concerto. Click here for more info. _________________________________________________________________________ David Leisner is on MySpace Music. A couple of CD clips are there. Check it out. photo by Kate Raudenbush Website content © David Leisner 2010. All rights reserved. |
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david's latest cd!
Del Tredici and Leisner at work