Grigor Ylli's Sophomore Recital

Grigor played a brilliant second-year recital, following up on his impressive first-year outing last spring. His program covered the musical periods well, giving him ample opportunity to demonstrate control in all styles. The program launched with a deftly handled Elegie by Mertz. (Full program at the end of the post).

Grigor Ylli on stage in Fairchild Chapel

He followed with three Barrios favorites, convincingly balancing the sinuous lines of the Choro do Saudade with the bravura moments in the two Valses, Op 8.

Dowland’s Fantasy No 7 was presented with a capo, offering a delightful sonic transition from the low tuning of the Barrios to the lute-like pinging of the higher, capoed instrument. The Elizabethan counterpoint rang clearly and the climactic gestures landed with impressive confidence.

Grigor closed his program with the Sonata of Leo Brouwer. It was presented with clarity and virtuosic intensity. This was an awesome harbinger of things to come. Bravo Grigor, on a concert well-prepared and played!