Elena Martín and José Melitón will perform a recital on Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. followed by a masterclass/lecture on Spanish piano music at 5 p.m. in the Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall. The event is free and students are encouraged to bring a friend with them to see Martín and Melitón display their talents.
“This event is to enrich the Abilene community and also our students,especially the piano students,” Dr. Jeffrey Cottrell, associate dean of the school of music, said. Dr. Cottrell found out about the piano duo possibly touring through Texas from a colleague and invited them to come play and speak to students at Hardin-Simmons University.
The duo has a YouTube channel where they showcase their abilities through original compositions for two pianos. Each piece is composed by Martín. They also play transcriptions of pieces made by Martín.
“Their music is so amazing,” Jackson Dyer, a sophomore worship leadership major from Granbury, said. “I listened to some of their work on YouTube and was extremely impressed. I can’t wait to hear them play in person and sit in on their masterclass.”
Martín and Melitón were both born in Spain and have been named by critics and audiences as one of the most compelling talents of their generation. Several critics have written about their work being some of the best, making Hardin-Simmons lucky to have them visiting and performing here at HSU..
"The duo's ensemble is impeccable, dead-on perfect,” said James Harrington on the internationally-known American Record Guide. “Their music turns my home into a little corner of Spain every time I play it. These are true sound pictures. Albéniz and Falla are among the greatest composers born in Spain, as is Elena Martín. Her compositions display far more than excellent craft; she has creativity and originality. Their recordings capture every nuance of this great duo's performances and Martín, the composer, could never hope for better performances of her work."
"[Martín and Melitón] are two fine professionals, enjoying themselves, playing with strong rhythm and unusual clarity,” said Harold C. Schonberg, Pulitzer Prize winner as Chief Music Critic for the New York Times. “They produce a nice, resonant sound that’s hypnotic. Martín and Melitón know exactly what they are doing.”