Why A Performance by Carles Benavent and Paco De Lucia Is My Favorite Concert

Summary: A coffeehouse performance by Carles Benavent and Paco De Lucia rates as my favorite concert.

guitar closeup: Andy Melton (trekkyandy), CC BY SA 2.0 Generic, via Flickr

A performance by Carles Benavent and Paco de Lucía is my favorite concert experience. It shares favorite status with other performances separately, together, with others. It nevertheless stands out for bringing together in one experience what I cherish about concert-going.

This particular concert holds a special place in my life. It is a case of a counter argument to the French proverb La perfection n'est pas de ce monde (Perfection is not [an attainable part] of this world). The concert reminds me of the impact of achievement and personality on audiences and venues.

The setting was conducive to favorable reactions. The concert was held in a coffeehouse. The menu was excellent. The lighting was not too bright, not too intimate. The chairs were comfortable for the several hundred attendees. The performers were within arm's reach of the nearest tables, the closest one being where I was seated!

Carles Benavent works his magic, Málaga, Andalusia, southern Spain; Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007, 20:23:30: Antonio (montuno), CC BY SA 2.0 Generic, via Flickr

Carles and Paco did not have extensive sound systems. It basically was a case of two guitarists -- one a renowned classical and flamenco guitarist, the other a world-famous jazz guitarist -- and two guitars. The music therefore would reach the last row of tables only if the audience controlled conversations and movements.

Neither the performers nor the venue's staff cautioned anyone about reactions during the performance. Carles and Paco preceded each piece with explanations about the composition's status in the classical, flamenco, jazz, pop and rock music world as well as its significance for them personally and professionally. There was a non-intrusively low level of barely audible conversations during Carles's and Paco's commentaries. There was nothing other than appreciative, respectful, stunned silence during the performances.

It can be typical of Carles's and Paco's concerts -- separately, together, with others -- that the crowd interacts with what the performers say. It also is typical of Carles's and Paco's performances -- separately, together, with others -- that the crowd is amazed, impressed and stunned into silence. Three reasons for the varying reaction levels may stem from the music pieces as well as the performers' personalities and techniques.

Audiences usually have their minds made up about classical and modern music. They may be less adamant about and familiar with flamenco. They therefore may switch reacting to commentary with scrutinizing technique.

Carles and Paco inspire co-performers and crowds with their engaging, generous personalities and expert, pioneering techniques. Time and again, they prove that the personal and the technical work together no matter what the size of the crowd or the venue.

Paco de Lucía feels his extraordinary music, Málaga, Andalusia, southern Spain; Sunday, Sep. 23, 2007, 00:08:03: Antonio (montuno), CC BY SA 2.0 Generic, via Flickr

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

guitar closeup: Andy Melton (trekkyandy), CC BY SA 2.0 Generic, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/trekkyandy/160220258

Carles Benavent works his magic, Málaga, Andalusia, southern Spain; Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007, 20:23:30: Antonio (montuno), CC BY SA 2.0 Generic, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/53556902@N00/1408866986

Paco de Lucía feels his extraordinary music, Málaga, Andalusia, southern Spain; Sunday, Sep. 23, 2007, 00:08:03: Antonio (montuno), CC BY SA 2.0 Generic, via Flickr @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/53556902@N00/1427845747