Iliana Matos performs A Solas by Juan Erena (b.1970). This comes via her YouTube channel and filmed in Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo, Granada, Spain, in collaboration with European Guitar Foundation. Beautiful performance by Matos with a wonderfully clear sound and flowing musical phrasing.
This work comes from her new album A Solas. As she mentions: “This album features the incredible work of 8 amazing composers who beautifully narrate my journey through a traumatic period during the lockdown and the resilience I found to overcome one of the most challenging times in my life. Creating this album has been vital to my healing process, allowing me to voice my experiences.”
Juan Erena discusses the work in the liner notes: “A Solas is a piece that reflects deep introspection inspired by Iliana’s dramatic experience. To evoke this state of mind, I drew on elements of Andalusian music, particularly the flamenco tarantas, whose melodies are infused with both suffering and hope. The piece shifts from an ethereal introduction to intense, emotional passages, symbolizing memories and acceptance.”
Matos currently teaches at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada.
As always Iliana inspires and moves me with her beautiful playing.
Beautiful. I am in awe of musicians like Iliana Matos. She plays this incredible piece with no sheet music and for most of it with her eyes closed! Without missing a beat and with great feeling. Bravo.