CD Review: Henderson-Kolk Duo

Henderson-Kolk Duo
Bach • Ravel • Castelnuovo-Tedesco • L’hoyer
© Henderson-Kolk Duo 2009

Artist Website: www.hkguitarduo.com

Buy the Recording From: CD BABY, iTunes

Arrangements:

• Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Italian Concerto, BWV 971
• Maurice Ravel (1875-1937): Le Tombeau de Couperin (Selections)

Originally for Guitar:

• Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895-1968): Prelude & Fugue in A minor, B minor, and E major from Op. 199
• Antoine de L’hoyer (1768-1852): Duo Concertant in D minor, Op. 34, No. 2

I’m sure many readers will already be familiar with the Duo formed by Drew Henderson and Michael Kolk, if not, I’ve included some YouTube videos below the review so you can acquaint yourself further. They met out East while studying under Jeffery McFadden at the University of Toronto. They’ve played throughout Canada, the United States and made their international debut at the Mediterranean Guitar Festival in Cervo, Italy in 2006.

I’m going to make a pretty strong statement and it’s not because this is a Canadian duo but because it’s true: Henderson-Kolk Duo is one of the most spectacular classical guitar duos performing today. The reason I say this is because the music speaks for itself. It’s real music performed by great musicians without any distracting guitar gimmicks. Below are some examples from the recording (used with permission):

Excerpt: Presto from J.S. Bach, Italian Concerto, BWV 971

Excerpt: Prelude from Le Tombeau de Couperin

I chose these two excerpts to show how direct the group can be with the intricate lines of Bach but also how flexible they can be with the impressionistic textures of Ravel. The sense of architecture and form as well as the clarity of counterpoint and antiphonal exchanges in the Bach really convinces my ear that this a solid Baroque interpretation – not just some guitar interpretation. In the example by Ravel you can hear how beautifully the group swells and shapes the direction of the line while still maintaining the watery yet clean texture. This is a tricky feat on the classical guitar so kudos to you both!

I’ve been familiar with the Tedesco duos for some time and it’s very surprising they are not recorded more often as they are very strong compositions originally written for classical guitar. A highlight from these duos is the prelude from the B minor duo. In the excerpt below you’ll hear some wonderful exchanges and mysteriously compelling exchanges between the parts.

Excerpt: Prelude in B minor from Op. 199

The remaining work by L’hoyer offers a touch of traditional 19th century guitar writing. These duos are particularly pretty on 19th century guitars but this performance on modern guitars seems to offer more of a Haydn-like symmetry, phrasing, and articulation that suits the work well. Although I have tended to prefer listening to the Bach, Ravel, and Tedesco on this recording, I’m glad they choose L’hoyer over other 19th century choices such as Guiliani, Sor, Diabelli etc. L’hoyer wrote some beautiful works and very likely higher quality music than many of his contemporary guitar composers. Regardless, the performance is here is tasteful and again versatile. A slightly lighter touch with some amazing classical style virtuosity makes this my favorite recording of L’hoyer to date.

Conclusion:

The Henderson-Kolk Duo are the real deal folks. This is by far one of the most interesting and musical recordings I’ve heard in the past 5 years. By the way, the recording quality is pretty amazing which surprised me as Drew Henderson is listed as the recording engineer. Keep an eye on these two, they are young, motivated, and hugely talented. It’s been a pleasure listening to this new addition to the Canadian classical guitar scene.

Le Tombeau de Couperin by Ravel. The prelude of Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin.

Arranged by Michael Kolk.
http://www.hkguitarduo.com

Antoine de L’Hoyer Duo Concertante in d-, Rondo

http://www.hkguitarduo.com