Nik played his final Oberlin guitar recital Saturday to a full hall of rowdy, excited well-wishers. He’d played his previous programs in a condensed time-period, owing to the pandemic and a transfer from another college. The result was that his Freshman Recital, Sophomore Recital, Junior Recital and this one all took place inside three years. This was a remarkable accomplishment on its own, but Nik played at an extremely high level, some of our repertoire’s most difficult works, and did so while also working tirelessly on the theorbo, an instrument he also performed on in numerous and varied settings.

He programmed a number of unusual and seldom-heard pieces along with some well-known ones, showing both curiosity and a wide range of interests: there were four pieces on his recital I’d never taught before, maybe a record. The first was an arrangement of a short but charming violin Fantasia by Telemann. He handled it deftly, imbuing the slow opening movement with the most expressive energy. (The full program is at the end of the post).

He followed that with Piazzolla’s Invierno Porteño, in an unforgettably moving performance that left both me and my wife in tears, maybe a first at any student recital I’ve seen. An arrangement of a short variations set, originally for piano by Glinka, followed. It offered similar nuanced slow bits and furious virtuoso moments as a Paganini Caprice. Next was the beloved Aquarelle Divertimento, another showcase for both vigorous guitar-craft and cantabile lyricism. Nik landed it beautifully.

Closing the first half with a heartfelt and serene reading of a Bach chorale prelude, He came back to the stage after a break with the classic Tedesco masterwork, Capriccio Diabolico and then his own version of Ravel’s famous Pavane. Both were handled with mastery. Finally, he closed with an arrangement of a wild Ravel piano work in the Spanish style, Alborado. This is a difficult one to render effectively on the guitar, but Nik demonstrated a deep understanding of the music and rigorous preparation. It had just the brilliant, rousing effect he’d planned for, and the audience went wild.

Nik has had a wild year, with several competition prizes, major scholarship awards, traveling professional engagements and more. A run-down of his activities will follow soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, congratulations, Nik, for a brilliant final Oberlin performance. Bravo!!!