For much of his life, Anton Del Forno, a classical guitar maestro who has played across the world, has continued to return home and perform.
“I’ve always enjoyed coming home to play because I get to see people that I haven’t seen, a lot from many, many years ago,” said Del Forno, who now divides his time between North Bergen and Short Hills, N.J. “That’s where you grew up and that’s where you came from and you feel a little bit like you have something to bring to the town, to offer to the town.”
Del Forno has delighted audiences across the world with his performances, unique style, and original compositions. He has recorded several albums that include “Christmas Gifts,” “Del Forno Plays Del Forno,” an album featuring original songs, and his most recent “Live from Portugal,” which was recorded during a 2004 concert in the 13th century Cathedral of Évora in Portugal.
“It’s the sound that takes you over.” – Anton Del Forno
________
“Especially with the way the world is moving so fast, a lot of people don’t get the chance to experience that, and I thought that maybe if they see it and hear it they would at least like to know about it,” said Del Forno.
Bring the classics to the masses
He said that he can relate to some of the “wide-eyed” children who occasionally watch him play. Even though Del Forno had already been playing electric guitar in night clubs for years, he discovered classical guitar at the age of 17. He said that a music events coordinator and teacher, Vincent Luzzi, had him fill in as a bass player and after playing for awhile. He also mentioned several musical conservatories that Del Forno had never heard of.
He wound up attending Mannes College of Music in New York. There he studied under a Russian violinist who helped him integrate some of that instrument’s picking technique to the guitar. He explained that imitating the “smooth bowing sound” and aptly plucking the guitar with your finger tips is difficult, but allows him to have a melodic sound.
After graduating, he toured through European countries and began recording in 1979 in Holland while touring there.
He also founded the guitar department at St. John’s University in New York.
He still maintains a busy touring schedule. After the holidays, he will be heading on tour to Florida and beyond. Del Forno also now plays with his sons Rhett and Dante, whom he said are talented in their own right. It won’t be long until his grandchildren are plucking strings too, he said.
Original composer
After transcribing music meant for other instruments to the tune of his Ramirez guitar, Del Forno began composing his own music.
He currently is working on a new album of original selections and two concertos for guitar.
“Sometimes [it’s] experiences that all of a sudden transform themselves into melodies,” said Del Forno. “I would say that the inspiration starts just from picking up the guitar and putting it on my lap and playing. Sound comes out and before you know it, it’s turning into a new piece of music, and sometimes I say ‘I don’t have time for this’ and it just keeps coming out.”
He explained that creating a composition can be a time-consuming, and normally a piece takes him from a few weeks to a few months. Del Forno also spent 10 years working on his first concerto.
‘Sound takes you over’
At his North Bergen concert, Del Forno planned on playing selections from his Christmas album, classical pieces and original compositions in a 90-minute free concert.
He enjoys inspiring people to pick up the guitar because of the value music has, he said. With websites like www.YouTube.com, he said that he can now reach more people.
“It’s the sound that takes you over once you start playing the guitar,” said Del Forno.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.