El Greco was the pseudonym of Domenikos Theotokopoulos (1541-1614), the painter who according to contemporary art critics was so special that he single-handedly represented a complete painting style. The Dutch flamenco guitarist Eric Vaarzon Morel, himself from a family of painters, became fascinated by El Greco and decided to write an opera about his life. El Greco lived much of his working life
… in the Spanish city of Toledo, at the time a vibrant city at the crossroads of cultures. This cross-fertilization also colors the varied music for this performance. Opera, flamenco and jazz give voice to the whimsical character of El Greco. For the texts of the librettos, Vaarzon Morel was inspired by the mystical poetry of Greco's contemporaries Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. Vaarzon Morel's guitar playing is dominant, but he leaves a lot of space for his guests. Among them four vocalists (two with a classical background and two with a flamenco background) and trumpet player Eric Vloeimans. The result is a top-heavy but impressive project. (PdK)more
