Diane and I went to the State University of New York at Buffalo Music School to see Jason Vieaux, the gifted guitarist, perform in their acoustically perfect hall.

Here are the notes from the performance program: “Buffalo native and Grammy-winner Jason Vieaux, ‘among the elite of today’s classical guitarists’ (Gramophone), is described by NPR as ‘perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation.’ In appearances from New York’s Lincoln Center to Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and the Seoul Arts Center, Jason Vieaux has cemented his reputation as an artist of brilliance and uncompromised mastery. Cited for his ‘eloquent and vibrant performances’ on disc (Gramophone Magazine) he is hailed as ‘virtuosic, flamboyant, dashing and, sometimes ineffably lyrical’ (New York Times) on stage.”

The sold-out audience rewarded the exquisite playing by Vieaux with plenty of applause. The range of music from Bach to Brouwer to Metheny to Rush just shows Vieaux’s range. Vieaux told the audience, before he played his Encore, that he was invited to a fund-raiser at one of the music schools he teaches at. The Dean asked Vieaux to prepare a short piece for one of the big Canadian donors. “Do you know something he might like?” Dean asked Vieaux tentatively. “I grew up on the Canadian/U.S. border and heard plenty of Canadian music on Canadian radio stations,” Vieaux relied. “I’ll have something our Canadian donor will like.” And, it was Rush’s “Closer to the Heart.” The donor was delighted, and so were we. Do you like guitar music? GRADE: A

Four Paths of Light: Bach to Metheny

J.S. Bach – Cello Suite #1, BWV 1007 (arr. Vieaux)

Leo Brouwer – El Decameron Negro

INTERMISSION

Pat Metheny – Four Paths of Light   -composed for and dedicated to Mr. Vieaux

J.S. Bach – Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 (arr. Vieaux)

ENCORE

RUSH — “Closer to the Heart” — Music: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Lyrics: Neil Peart and Peter Talbot