Honored to have the score collection of ‘honey cadence’ featured on the awesome classical guitar resource This Is Classical Guitar!
–> https://www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/honey-cadence-aaron-larget-caplan/
There is a very nice write up and a lovely video of the title track by Bradford Werner too!
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TY American Composers Alliance for a beautiful publication!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Photo by Tracey Yarad, April 2023
BROOKLYN, NY — August 15, 2023 — Bargemusic, New York’s premier floating concert hall, is thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated return of guitarist and composer Aaron Larget-Caplan to its stage. On Friday, October 6, 2023, at 7:00 pm, Bargemusic will be transformed into a musical haven as Larget-Caplan presents his extraordinary solo program, “Dances, Dreams, and Legends.”
Larget-Caplan promises an enchanting evening of musical diversity, showcasing a fusion of cultures, emotions, and legends through the language of the guitar. The program, “Dances, Dreams, and Legends,” will feature an eclectic repertoire that includes dances from Brazil, Spain, and the United States, contemporary lullabies composed specifically for Larget-Caplan’s groundbreaking New Lullaby Project, and a monumental solo piece inspired by the captivating 13th-century Japanese legend of Hagoromo.
Lovers of classical and contemporary guitar music will be treated to compositions by Isaac Albéniz, J.S. Bach, Antonio Jobim, and Keigo Fujii. Additionally, the evening features the New York premieres of compositions by Alan Hovhaness, Stephanie Anne Boyd, Dennis Báthory-Kitsz, Kevin Siegfried, and Larget-Caplan.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of musical artistry as Aaron Larget-Caplan returns to Bargemusic to weave a captivating tapestry of melodies, rhythms, and legends through his guitar.
Larget-Caplan will be giving classes at Hunter College (10/4) and Juilliard Pre-College (10/6). More are being added.
*****
Photo by Tracey Yarad, April 2023
Event Details:
Date and Time: Friday, October 6, 2023, at 7:00 pm
Admission: $35
Venue:
Bargemusic
Fulton Ferry Landing
Brooklyn Bridge Blvd
Brooklyn, NY 11201
For ticket information and reservations, please visit: https://www.bargemusic.org/concert/eclectic-series-dances-dreams-and-legends-antonio-jobim-kevin-seigfried-dennis-bathory-kitsz-stephanie-ann-boyd-isaac-albeniz-aaron-larget-caplan-alan-hovhaness-j-s-bach-keigo-fujii-aar/
FB Event: HERE
About Aaron Larget-Caplan:
Aaron Larget-Caplan is an internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer known for his virtuosity and passion for expanding the boundaries of classical guitar music. His ten albums have earned over 5-million streams since 2021, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his groundbreaking projects and performances, making him a prominent figure in the contemporary and classical music scene.
About Bargemusic:
Bargemusic, moored at the scenic Fulton Ferry Landing under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, is a unique floating concert venue offering exceptional performances and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Renowned for its commitment to bringing world-class music to the heart of New York City.
Photo by Tracey Yarad, April 2023
Boston, MA — Celebrated guitarist and composer Aaron Larget-Caplan announces the inaugural collection of compositions, “honey cadence,” published by the New York publisher American Composers Alliance (ACA). This groundbreaking collection of six captivating meditative guitar solos showcases Larget-Caplan’s exceptional musicality and introduces audiences to a new side of the celebrated performer.
The compositions featured on “honey cadence” were meticulously crafted by Larget-Caplan during the latter part of 2021 and early 2022. Each piece reflects his profound connection to the guitar as a medium for expressing emotions and evoking introspective journeys. The album’s meditative nature is designed to envelop listeners in a
tranquil and contemplative sonic landscape, offering moments of serenity in an increasingly fast-paced world.
Released as an EP in 2022, “honey cadence” has since garnered extraordinary acclaim, amassing over 3-million streams since its debut on the label Tiger Turn, a testament to Larget-Caplan’s ability to resonate with a wide range of listeners. Produced by multi-Grammy winner Kabir Sehgal, the album exemplifies a harmonious collaboration between two brilliant minds in the world of music.
Commenting on the creative process behind “honey cadence,” Larget-Caplan expressed, “I started sketching melodies and gestures that were floating in my head with the intent of creating an album of meditative intimacy, which though on the quiet side, would be able to keep one’s attention. Improvisations highlighting my preferred qualities of the guitar: tone and timbre variation, note doubling, harmonics, pitch bends, and percussion gave me the confidence and freedom to explore. Each of the six titles has a connection to music, as well as general language, i.e., ‘anticipation’ is a musical ornament and linguistically expresses expectation or prediction.”
Physical scores or PDFs of the 32-page publication are available. They include notes and instructions about each of the compositions, as well as inspiring quotes by composer John Cage, Toru Takemitsu, and Larget-Caplan.
As a respected figure in the world of classical and contemporary guitar, Aaron Larget-Caplan has continuously pushed the boundaries of his craft, garnering recognition for his innovative approach to both performance and composition. “honey cadence” stands as a testament to his artistic evolution and serves as a testament to his dedication to enriching the world of music.
For further information and to explore the mesmerizing sounds of “honey cadence,” please follow Aaron Larget-Caplan on social media platforms.
*****
ACA (PDF & physical) • Score Collection: Bandcamp (autographed and includes free download of album)
About Aaron Larget-Caplan:
Aaron Larget-Caplan is an acclaimed guitarist, composer, and educator known for his pioneering approach to classical and contemporary guitar music. With a career spanning decades, Larget-Caplan has established himself as a dynamic and innovative artist, captivating audiences with his emotive performances and groundbreaking compositions. His work has been recognized globally, earning him a reputation as a trailblazer in the world of music.
Socials: fb/ig/x: @alcguitar, yt/tt: @aaronlcguitar
About American Composers Alliance:
The American Composers Alliance (ACA) is a renowned organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of American contemporary classical music. Founded in 1937 by such luminaries as Aaron Copland, ACA has played a pivotal role in nurturing the work of composers across generations, fostering a vibrant community of creators and performers who shape the landscape of modern composition.
ALBÉNIZ Suite española No. 1, op. 47: No. 3, Sevilla. Granada (both arr. Larget-Caplan). Suite española No. 2, op. 97: No. 4, Zambra granadiana. SANLÚCAR Mantilla de Feria. TÁRREGA La Paloma. La Mariposa. Lágrima. Recuerdos de la Alhambra. MARQUINA España Cañi.
Only 6 of Aaron Larget-Caplan’s 10 discs has been reviewed in Fanfare. I reviewed two of them: Honey Cadence in Fanfare 46:1, comprised of some of Larget-Caplan’s own compositions and God’s Time, a disc devoted to Larget-Caplan’s transcriptions of Bach keyboard works for guitar (47:4). This new disc, Spanish Candy is his tenth album (no flies on me for knowing this!) and celebrates his love for Spanish music and flamenco, mixing arrangements of works originally for piano with pieces for guitar. It was Spanish music that inspired Larget-Caplan as a child, so the project is clearly dear to his heart. As he says, “this music lit a flame in my heart and literally changed my life”; inevitably, Segovia was a large influence.
This is his fourth disc on Tiger Turn records (and, indeed, with successful producer Kabir Sehgal) Larget-Caplan’s trademark technical security mixed with flair and élan fits this music perfectly. He also has a long history of working with flamenco dancers in a classical-flamenco fusion via his ensemble ¡Con Fuego!.
The attractive “Zambra granadina,” the fourth and final movement of the 1888 Suite española No. 2, is deservedly popular. Larget-Caplan’s rhythmic sense is the key to the success of the reading, while his timbral excellence and variety enlivens the musical surface. The recording, close and clear, supports his every move, The more extrovert “Sevilla” (from the first Suite) speaks of blazing sunshine, propelled along by its internal rhythms. Larget-Caplan’s articulation is splendid.
Composed by flamenco guitarist Esteban De Sanlúcar (1910-89), Mantilla de Feria is a gentler beast, and here it is Larget-Caplan’s control that is so impressive, maintaining a low dynamic while projecting the spirit of dance. As he does in the habanera, La Paloma by Francisco Tárrega. The layering of bassline rhythm and sweet (and very famous) melody is exquisitely judged, the intervening registral space carrying an implicit loneliness. The next piece La Mariposa, is complex yet brief; the rather more restrained Lágrima sings a sweet song in response. Perhaps a touch more flow would have sealed the deal here: expression that works in the concert hall sometimes can feel stilted in the recording studio. No such caveats about the remarkably peaceful Recuerdos de la Alhambra (an impression helped by Larget-Caplan’s superb tremolo technique). The final offering of the five-piece Tárrega sequence is Prudent, a minor-key étude of great poignancy while maintaining its study-like demeanor.
The last piece by Albéniz follows: the serenata Granada. And what colors Larget-Caplan is able to conjure up from his guitar here! Of all the loveliness on this disc, this performance is the fairest (and if that sounds like a slender maiden, it is not by accident: there is grace galore here). Finally, Pascual Marquina Narro’s España Cañi (Gypsy Spain; the composer is better known with “Pasquina” as the surname). Larget-Caplan puts a whole lot into his performance so the listener can draw a whole lot out. Detail is brilliantly projected, while the music itself is infused with the spirit of the pasodoble.
A beautiful homage from a master guitarist to Spain. “Candy” it might be, but offered at the highest level. Recommended. Colin Clarke
Five stars: A beautiful homage from a master guitarist to Spain. “Candy” it might be, but offered at the highest level.
This article originally appeared in Issue 47:2 (Nov/Dec 2023) of Fanfare Magazine.
I had the pleasure of working with Paula Morin in Salem, Massachusetts recently for some new press photos.
Do you have a favorite?
a,b,c,
g,h,i* Click on the photo block to make them bigger
Follow Paula Morin on Instagram: @paulaevelynphotography
–> https://spanishcandy.lnk.to/SpanishCandy (streaming, downloads, CDs)
Spanish Candy features classical Spanish and flamenco standards by Isaac Albéniz and Francisco Tárrega, Esteban du Sanlúcar, and Pascual Marquina.
Spanish Candy is the culmination of a vision that sought to combine my favorite elements of flamenco (dance, rasgueado, energy) and Spanish classical guitar (harmonic language and colors). See Sevilla, Mantilla de Feria, and España Cañi for examples.
The 10 tracks promise to be a treat for fans of Spanish classical and flamenco music.
This is my 10th studio album and fourth with producer Kabir Sehgal for Tiger Turn.
It is also the first dedicated to the music of Spain, I am grateful to be able share Spanish Candy with you.
Read the complete press release and see a video playlist: https://alcguitar.com/album-spanish-candy.php
Thank you for listening,
Aaron
Ps. The first 50 CD orders via Bandcamp will receive a special ALC Olé magnet.
CD Tracks. photo by Catherine Larget-Caplan
Spanish Candy CD inside
I am very proud to announce that I am now affiliated as a composer with the American
Composers Alliance (ACA):
https://www.composers.com/composers/aaron-larget-caplan
My first collection of compositions, honey cadence, are officially published today and available worldwide!
Purchase the physical score through the ACA or on my Bandcamp page HERE. PDFs of the scores area also available HERE.
Based in NYC, the ACA is a nonprofit composer service organization dedicated to the publishing and promoting of American contemporary classical music through concerts, grants, collaborations, and recordings.
Founded in 1937 by Aaron Copland, I am humbled to join this historic organization with its powerful and inclusive vision, and to be affiliated with such a truly fantastic group of composers, a few of whom I am honored to have forged friendships with through music. Learn more about the ACA.
I was introduced to the organization in 2015 by Thomas L. Read. I have since had the pleasure of working as a performer, grant recipient, and curator with their fearless director Gina Genova.
In 2020 and 2021 the ACA co-published two volumes of scores by 30 composers from my New Lullaby Project in the anthologies: Nights Transfigured and Hushed. The first winning multiple Revere Publishing Awards.
The first collection of my own compositions: honey cadence – six meditations for guitar solo are available today! Gratitude to Simon Berry for his excellent work and patience in bringing this publication to life.
The collection, recorded on the honey cadence album has earned over 3-million streams since its release by Tiger Turn in April 2022.
Amazon Music • Spotify • Apple Music
A few of the ACA composers I have performed:
Will be playing:
I look forward to continued collaborations and more musical creations.
*To be rescheduled from 2020
Ladies and gentlemen, I am thrilled to announce the upcoming release of “Spanish Candy.” This album is set to drop on May 26, and is an absolute must-listen for all lovers of classical and flamenco guitar.
“Spanish Candy” features 10 tracks of classical and flamenco gems by some of the most celebrated Spanish composers, including Isaac Albéniz, Francisco Tarrega, Pascual Marquina, and Esteban de Sanlúcar. Click to reserve the singles on streaming and download services:
La Paloma • April 19
Recuerdos de la Alhambra • April 28
Lagrima • May 5
Mantilla de Feria • May 18
SPANISH CANDY • May 26
Being my first album dedicated to the music of Spain, I’ve included repertoire that grabbed the heart of a 16yo kid and completely changed his world. It is music of love, excitement, nostalgia, and peace, and I hope it brings all of that and more to you!
“Spanish Candy” marks my 10th album and fourth with the Tiger Turn. Since November 2021, my albums have earned over 4 million streams, and I am excited to add “Spanish Candy” to the mix.
We owe a special thanks to Steve Hunt for mixing and mastering the album, Kabir Sehgal for his guidance, Alex Fedorov for the stunning album design, and Catherine Larget-Caplan for her stellar photos (CD). A CD will be available through Bandcamp.
Reserve your singles and album, mark your calendars, and get ready to experience the exquisite artistry of “Spanish Candy.”
On February 15, Now Musique received a Cultural Recovery Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council awarded.
Founded by Aaron Larget-Caplan in 2019, Now Musique is dedicated to exploring the new and neglected in music with solo and chamber music concerts being presented in Boston and beyond.
Between August and November 2022, Now Musique presented 5 program in 8 concerts in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester. The programs featured 25 composers with many in attendance, as well as a few dead composers for balance.
We are honored and grateful to have received the award and we look forward to celebrating through music in the near future!
Our next concert is May 19 in Providence, Rhode Island with Grammy Nominated baritone Johnathan McCullough.
Now Musique is fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas. All donations are tax deductible.
Mass Cultural Council Celebrates $51M in Cultural Sector Pandemic Recovery Grants