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Utmost precision … boundless virtuosity

Erlanger Nachrichte, Cora Uitting

There were only a few empty seats left in the concert hall of the Erlangen Music Institute, where Goran Krivokapić and Danijel Cerović, who together form the Montenegrin Guitar Duo, were to make their “Bavarian debut”. The two young men are no strangers to the classical guitar community, appearing not only as highly sought-after artists internationally, but also as speakers, teachers and competition jury members. Against this background, their manner in the concert setting is surprisingly unassuming.

What works best as a structuring, excitement-quenching opening work? Correct: Johann Sebastian Bach’s English Suite No. 6 in D minor, BWV 811, originally composed for harpsichord, which the musicians arranged themselves for two guitars. Quiet, collected and with the utmost precision, Krivokapić and Cerović give form and content to the seven movements. Soon the actually-quiet sound of these “bower instruments” spreads throughout the room, gains volume and reaches into the most remote corners of the hall.

The sound remains warm, round and and undisturbed by any impurities: the guitarists create the music as if improvising, but always maintain a vital forward movement. They understand each other sightlessly, form a unity of sound and thus find an inspiring interpretation of this intellectually-demanding composition.

A completely different character is shown in the Suite Troileana by the Argentinean tango-emancipator Astor Piazzolla, where great temperament and ardour come not only from boundless virtuosity, but also from making the love of the work and the playing tangible with every note.

Sonic highlights, tango rhythms, swinging passages and harmonic sophistication all exude South-American flair.

Also the Danza Ritual and the Danza del Fuego by the Spaniard Manuel de Falla could hardly be performed more authentically and effectively. Krivokapić and Cerović have settled in, played freely and won over the cheering audience.

Loosely translated from German

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Warm and bright, with accuracy, agility, articulation, definition and clarity

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Precision of ensemble, the clarity of articulation, the rhythmic vitality and the exuberant ornamentation

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Even more mutual sympathy and precision timing from the performers

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Magnificent! Not to be missed!

Stretto, Michel Dutrieue

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Two absolutely totally essential discs

David’s Review Corner, David Denton

Very fine realizations that lovers of Bach and the guitar will appreciate

ClassicsToday.com, David Vernier

Fine transcriptions, brilliantly played

American Record Guide, Kenneth Keaton

Dynamic levels are nicely varied throughout, as are textures

Fanfare, Raymond Tuttle

The performance is flawless and accurate… This CD is then a must-have

Guitare Classique, Pacal Proust

The Montenegrin Guitar Duo translates Bach’s mastery of encompassing several musical styles within a single work through a new, refreshing instrumental texture

WGBH, CD of the week

Both men play extremely well

Classical Net, Brian Wigman

The scintillating performances by Krivokapić and Cerović capture the living spirit of Bach’s dance-inflected music

Audio Video Club of Atlanta, Phil Muse

The integration of the Montenegrins is so perfect you often have the feeling that just one performer is involved.

David’s Review Corner, David Denton

An exceptional guitar ensemble

Dušan Bogdanović – composer

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19/02/2025