Alfredo Orlando Ortiz a concert

Nelson Hinman (nhinman@netcom.com)
Sun, 9 Jun 1996 00:40:23 -0700 (PDT)

On this night I sat spellbound listening, sometimes, with held breath at
the mastery of this amazing gentleman who is also a doctor, by the way.
He did finish medical school, but has provided another kind of healing
with an instrument that must be heard live to be believed. Yes, it is 36
strings, but its lower register booms with a room-filling power.

The music came, for the most part from South America and some from the
Caribean. There are about 8 discs that he has recorded with a great
variety of music on them.

He asks that the audience refrain from clapping between the melodies, and
this does not detract in any way from the music. If anything, it causes
listeners to reflect and think about what he's played.

For the classically trained pedal harpist some of what he does is rather
beyond the pale of what "correct" technique ought to be. If watching him
makes you uneasy, close your eyes, and let the music speak to you.

If you've not heard this fine player, and he is giving a concert near
you, *go*! If you had other plans, reschedule them. You will not be
disappointed.

Yes, there is technical mastry herem, no question, and still there are
quiet, gently-played sensitive pieces to move the most hardened ear.

Nelson