Email 
Print
"Amores Quebrados (Broken Love): Frederico García Lorca's Love Songs" at Repertario Español
Written by Michael Patrick Hearn
At a charming little Off-Broadway theater not far from Gramercy Park in New York City, Repertario Español presented an electrifying program of traditional and contemporary Spanish dance, poetry, song and instrumentals between August 11 and 21. "Amores Quebrados (Broken Love): Frederico García Lorca's Love Songs" is both an ebullient and affectionate tribute by Suite Hispania to the great modern Spanish poet, composer and martyr who was executed during the Spanish Civil War. The small Washington, DC-based nonprofit company is a true ensemble who performed effortlessly in the relatively tight, intimate setting. They clearly love what they are doing. The syncopated, toe-tapping and sometimes even lulling music was provided by María Martínez on cello, Salva de María on flamenco guitar and Odei Lizaso on percussion under the lively direction of Con Ignacio Prego on piano. Soprano Amaya Árberas, so dignified in one song and then shamelessly flirting in another, filled the hall with her strong seductive voice. Flamenco and classical Spanish dancer Nélido Tirado is a dynamo. Her first solo contained no steps as she used only her undulating arms and body to express the spirited music. The passion and precision of her footwork during the rest of her program was breath-taking. She attacked the floor with a vigor and authority beautifully supported by the sultry grace of her hands. The fourteen numbers of the recital zipped along and the entire sold-out audience was on their feet at the end, applauding and cheering for the bravura performance.