Seis Brevidades (six short pieces)

As one half of “Duo Assad”, Sergio and his brother Odair have, over a 20+ year life of performances and recordings, built up a reputation as a guitar duo which is second to none; they are universally recognised as being the perfect partnership, their music-making receiving the highest accolades; Sergio Assad wrote these six short pieces partially in Chicago and partially in Paris in 2008 and the set is dedicated to his brother. Initially they were never intended to be thought of as a “set” - each one being far removed from its surrounding bedfellows - but there is a tenuous link in that each piece represents some part of a journey through a single day. Hence there is Chuva, a lovely serene composition inspired by a rainy morning in Chicago. Technically, this one is the easiest of the six (around Grade 6) but from a musical viewpoint, for me; this is the highlight of the book. The delicate melody line and subtle harmonies Assad has written are simple but exquisite. Tarde is a relaxing and easy-on-the-ear piece representing a warm afternoon, once again in Chicago; Feliz is a lively and optimistic piece which tries to evoke the feeling of elation when “you are really having a great day”; Ginga (which means to “swing” whilst walking) and was inspired from a stroll by the side of the Seine River; Cantiga is a melancholy air inspired by sundown in Paris and the final one Saltitane is an energetic and bouncy piece written after the composer rushed home to get out of the evening rain, in Paris once again. Despite - or perhaps, due to - each composition being of various different styles, this small collection of guitar music would be a lovely programme supplement. Technically we’re talking between Grades 6 and 7.

Steve Marsh (Classical Guitar Magazine)