Graham Rickson reviews Smaro Gregoriadou’s latest release, “A Healing Fire”, for The Arts Desk:
“One interesting aspect of Greek guitarist Smaro Greoriadou’s playing is her willingness to experiment technically, the tunings and instruments chosen to suit the musical requirements of each work. … Her choice pays off… There’s an intensity and tautness to the sound which heightens the music’s expressivity. Every flourish in Bach’s opening “Grave” tells, followed by a cogent, elegant fugue. … This is thorny, late Britten, the spare textures easily offset by the warmth of Gregoriadou’s playing, the arrival of the Dowland melody an effective coup de théâtre. Sofia Gubaidulina’s Serenade dates from 1960, three minutes of arresting but pained musing, ending suddenly and serenely with a G major chord. Rarer still is the Op. 41 Suite by French-Canadian composer Jacques Hétu. … This five-movement work is an accessible treat, Hétu’s language alluding to conventional tonality while remaining distinct and fresh. … An enjoyable anthology, beautifully played and handsomely recorded, Gregoriadou’s stated objective to “offer encouragement and hope against today’s dystopia and chaos” accomplished with ease.”
—Graham Rickson, The Arts Desk