Ricardo Gallén Performs Assad's Colloquial Prelude No. 11

The Omni Foundation recently shared a performance of Ricardo Gallén playing Colloquial Prelude No. 11 by Sérgio Assad. The piece comes from Assad’s 12 Colloquial Preludes, a set written for Gallén that focuses on short, self-contained ideas rather than traditional prelude forms. Each piece explores a different texture or type of musical “conversation” on the guitar.

Ricardo Gallén is a Spanish guitarist known for his precision and consistency, especially in contemporary repertoire. He has taught at several major conservatories and is currently based in Weimar. His collaboration with Assad is an important part of this set, since the pieces were written with his playing in mind.

In this performance, Gallén keeps everything clear and measured, letting the lines speak in a conversational style making them flow with ease. It’s a straightforward approach that fits the piece well.