On a journey: East Berlin, Germany

On a journey: East Berlin, Germany

Friday, May 11, 2012

Guitarists

Last night, our opera house enjoyed the last performance of the season in the actual theater and orchestral pit with a performance of Emil Nikolaus von Reznicek's Ritter Blaubart, and there was much merry-making afterwards.

As it is with all nights out, a time comes when a decision needs to be made - carry on, or turn in? We ventured forth to the next bar, Cafe Neruda, where we met a guitar duo, one guy from Georgia (the country) and an Assyrian (not Syrian - I initially thought so, too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assyrian_people) guy from southeastern Turkey.

They played a mesmerizing set of classical guitar duos with flamenco and folkloric influences, and it was apparent that the two, particularly the Georgian guy, were highly trained and had mastered virtuosic guitar playing. They made everything look so easy, and were unpretentious.

After jamming with R.E.M. and Eric Clapton songs, we stumbled home and passed by the guitarists as they sat on a random bench, rolling joints and getting happy. It was somehow poignant, although I can't say exactly why.


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