Art’s Corner
To judge from the attendance at last Tuesday evening’s presentation of
the concert honoring the achievements of Idyllwild’s own guitarist and
luthier extraordinaire David Pelham, the event served as both a
celebratory and devotional function. Under the sponsorship of the
Friends of the Idyllwild Library, the attraction was equally a stimulus
to the curious as well as the knowing. The proceedings started with a
short prelude by Mr. Pelham himself in his capacity as event
co-coordinator, welcoming all comers with a short introductory
statement, to be followed by his commentaries on all performers,
instruments and the works to be performed. For not only were four
distinguished guitarists present, but also four guitars from Mr.
Pelham’s workshop to provide the proper acoustic reception throughout
the library’s Community Room.

Idyllwild Library Tuesday, Feb. 27, in honor of the local.
Starting with another short introduction by co-coordinator Ernesto Alé,
with give-and-take from Mr. Pelham as well, the musical portion of the
event began with the playing of three nature-inspired pieces: “Ashes and
Tears” (a reflection of the Mountain Fire’s aftermath), plus “Winter
Palindrome” and “On Tahquitz” all evoked a concentrated spirit unique to
the Idyllwild area, in a miniaturized canvas where all elements blend
with sonic subtlety of observation — a “listening through” of each
combination of seventh and ninth chords, specifying natural
formulations. This was followed by Jack McBroom’s realizations of a day
on the Hill — “Amanecer,” “Windy Morning” and “Atardecer,” giving forth
the full spectrum of emotion (and motion) from sunrise to sunset.
The more difficult task was then effected by guitarist Lawrence Spector,
whose interpretations of Mr. Pelham’s “Elegy” and the award-winning
“Hymn for the Earth” were noteworthy in the context of contrast with the
earlier programmed pieces, presenting a further contemplative aspect of
the concert.
David Pelham speaks at the concert in his honor. Lawrence Spector performing at the concert. David Jerome performing at the concert. Community members overfilled the Idyllwild Library for David Pelham’s
concert
Finally, with the help of David Jerome’s masterful stylings of five
short pieces (including an unannounced guitar study), the endpoint was
reached with appropriate vigor (for “White Water”) and balanced
reflection (for the concluding “Meditation”). This listener was
particularly impressed with the various approaches of the four scheduled
players, with the interspersed comments from the maestro himself, who on
this occasion overcame his issues with hand and finger neuropathy enough
so that he could present his own “Lullaby for Logan” with his individual
touch of true personal simplicity.
In all, a stunning display of talent, from the standpoints of both
instructor/provider and his disciples as well, with those in the
audience certainly more than appreciative of a well-designed and
thought-out presentation.