I remember when I, some twenty five years ago, entered the main concert hall in tne music conservatoire in Malaga. There was a student concert about to begin. Surprisingly, the last student to perform wasn´t in the most advanced course.This was a bit shocking,knowing that the last spot is reserved for the most brilliant. After seven or eight students showing various degrees of shyness and conviction, the last performer entered the stage. From the very moment this slim youngster touched the keyboard, it seemed that the piano had been changed, the room acoustics improved. Everyone hold his or her breath while the pianist, Gabriel Garcia-Bernal, displayed the most astonishing facility and beauty of sound I've ever witnessed onstage. Each note rang distinct, powerful and true even in the most challenging passages, across the entire range of the piano. Although his speed and strength were amazing, it was his control of dinamics, sound projection and mature conviction the features of his playing that knocked me out. The audience exploded after his incendiary performance, with a standing ovation of several minutes.
After that afternoon, I was fortunate enough to be one of Gabriel's classmates. I have seen him improvising jazz, playing French horn, composing for various ensembles, studying challenging pieces without breaking a sweat. I have witnessed his fast progress, musically and intellectually. He is nothing short of a true gentleman and a first class performer.
After more than fifteen years without hearing of him, I've found his CDs in CDBaby. From the very first notes, I have experienced again the intense joy I lived that afternoon, so long ago. I cannot do anything but encouraging you to listen to them and experience the same. Thanks, Gabi.
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