Music and Dance Reviews : Paco Pena in Recital

Paco Pena, one of the most gifted of the younger generation of flamenco guitarists, takes his job very seriously. This avid promoter of the flamenco tradition found a most receptive audience at the Cal State Northridge Recital Hall Saturday evening.

Pena was not flamboyant himself, rather he let the music speak for itself. The excellent program notes were supplemented with occasional comments by the performer, who announced the program from the stage.

His recital included a variety of traditional forms. Most, of course, are rather extrovert in nature, but with Pena the granadina, zambra and zapateado became unusually reflective.

Pena’s technique was flawless, from silky tremolos to fiery rasgueados. His professionalism was put to the test when his fourth string broke not once but twice during the first half. This provided little distraction, however, and he continued with confidence.

The guitarist is more than a mere technician; he is an artist, as well. His arrangements and improvisations were creative and exciting. Only the “Zapateado in Tre” was borrowed from another guitarist, the legendary Sabicas. The contrast in styles was illuminating, but not at all unflattering to the younger musician.