Last Friday evening, Tenby Arts Club was treated to a first class recital by the Hill-Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo.
It was their second visit and there was an air of keen anticipation from the members and their friends gathered in the main hall of the Community Education Centre.
The duo began their recital with four Elizabethan Lute Duets typical of the period in their simplicity and charm. These were followed by an 18th century Largo and Rondo by Carulli who wrote over 200 pieces for the guitar. One of Mendelssohn's songs without words came next, transcribed for the guitar in 1900.
In 1988, the Italian composer Mario Gangi wrote his Suite Italiana specially for Robin Hill and Peter Wiltschinsky who were pleased to play it for the club. It had a true Italian flavour to the three movements, warm and vibrant.
Going back to the 18th century, members heard Diabelli's Serenade in F Major with its march, minuet, romance and rondo, a great favourite in Vienna at that time.
To the end of the first half of the programme, the duo played Pierre Petit's Toccata, written in 1962 and a particular favourite of Robin and Peter.
After a short interval, the second half of the programme was given over to Spanish music. Fernando Sor's 'L'Encouragement' with its theme and variations had an infectious melody, easy to remember and hum.
Peter Wiltschinsky's exciting Prelude and Jota received enthusiastic applause, as did the three Spanish pieces that followed. The Romanza, Recuerdos de la Alhambra and Jota were all arranged by Peter and Robin for two guitars and are traditional Spanish compositions.
Robin Hill's Canzone was dedicated to his friend Mario Gangi whose Italian Suite was heard in the first half of the recital. This was a piece of great sensitivity beautifully played by Robin.
To conclude the evening, the duo played three Spanish dances by Manuel de Falla. First the Spanish Dance from La Vida Breve with its exciting climax; then the Miller's Dance from the Three Cornered Hat showing verve and panache; and lastly the exotic Ritual Fire Dance from El Amor Brujo, a brilliant finale.
The prolonged applause of the audience for the two guitarists reflected their enjoyment of the whole programme played with such precision, touch and clarity of sound. It is no surprise that the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo are well established amongst the elite of classical guitarists.
Today (Friday) is half-term, so there is no meeting. On Friday, March 2, the club will have Peter Doran telling about his life in the theatre. Non-members are welcome to the Community Education Centre at 8 pm.