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Guitarist Zane Forshee Gives Breathtaking Performance

By Nyonsuatee Kollue
Retriever Weekly

Music, they say, speaks to a person’s soul. The audience that gathered in the Fine Arts recital hall to listen to classical guitarist and UMBC faculty member, Zane Forshee, must indeed believe this to be true. First prize winner of the National Guitar Workshop Solo Guitar Competition, as well as the Baltimore Music Club’s Strings competition, Zane Forshee struck more than guitar chords. He gently pulled on the heart strings of his listeners as he invited them to listen, enjoy, understand, and communicate with his rhythms.

The performance was a series of various classical pieces. He masterfully played harmonious, rhythmical tunes, as well as vibrant, danceable melodies, and incorporated some mixed bits that started off light, and then continued with astounding sharp chords that sent your ears tingling. He played a few sonatas as well as works of other artists that he admired. A piece whose English translation would mean “Walk a narrow path” was one of such numbers. But whichever way he played, there was a beautiful ever-flow that held the audience captivated.

Each piece (followed by loud applause) opened into another equally breathtaking number. The slower melodies seemed to greatly appeal to the more mature audience as they gazed upon the artist. The younger attendees bobbed their heads and swayed lightly to vibrant tunes. You could hear quiet whispers of, “He’s good!” from various audience members. However, the enjoyment in this performance was not limited to the audience alone. The artist himself seemed lost in the sound of his instrument. He played every chord with soul, swaying gently and tapping his feet as he played. Watching him, you would not only listen, but feel the music as much as he did.

His performance left the audience deeply satisfied. After listening to him, his achievements seem only natural for someone with his skills. Anyone with a good ear for music would greatly appreciate the style and spirit of his music, as he deeply expresses the beauty of classical guitar in his performance.