Music / “A Night of Spanish Music”, Luis Llaneza, baritone; Edward Neeman, piano, and Shane Campbell, guitar. At the Larry Sitsky Recital Room, ANU School of Music, October 20. Reviewed by LEN POWER.

THE lucky audience members at this first concert in Australia of Spanish baritone Luis Llaneza were treated to an extraordinary performance by this superb singer.

Llaneza has a wide repertoire of opera roles including Alfredo in “La Traviata”, Zarzuela roles, lieder, oratorios, chamber music and contemporary music. He has performed extensively in Spain and many other European countries as well as in numerous South and Central American countries and in Africa.

He was accompanied in the first half by guitarist Shane Campbell. Beginning with “A La Luna Nací Yo”, a traditional Sephardic song, Llaneza impressed with his commanding voice, fine diction and sensitive singing of this atmospheric work.

Llaneza does not just sing a song, he performs it with dramatic intensity, bringing to life the full spectrum of emotions that the song is calling for. The way he uses his voice, his body language and eye contact gives the meaning of the words, even to anyone who does not speak the language.

The first half also included a set of Argentinian songs by Carlos Guastavino and three Spanish songs in honour of the poet, Federico García Lorca. Again, the audience was swept into a world of strong feelings of romance, passion, pride and sadness. Llaneza gave them all an electrifying performance accompanied by the sensitive playing of Shane Campbell on guitar.

Campbell, winner of the ANU Whitworth Roach Classical Music Competition 2021, also played a guitar solo, “Homenaje A Debussy” by Manuel de Falla. It was an excellent, sensitive performance rich in colour.

In the second half, Edward Neeman accompanied Llaneza on piano with songs by Cuban composers Ernesto Lecuona and Eduardo Sánchez de Fuentes; Mexican composer Agustín Lara and works by Spanish composers José Serrano, Francisco Alonso and others.

All were sung with great feeling from quiet emotions to thunderous moments of high passion. A standout was his singing of Lara’s “Rival”, which was given a thrilling performance. Neeman’s accompaniment was excellent.

While all of the songs were given great performances, Llaneza also displayed a relaxed and friendly personality, providing the audience with anecdotes about the songs and engaging with them with his down-to-earth, grateful and charming smile.