program notes

DJANGO REINHARDT
(1910–1953)

Reinhardt, a legendary figure in the world of jazz, revolutionized the genre with his pioneering style and virtuosic guitar playing. Born in Belgium, Reinhardt's life took an extraordinary turn when a fire severely damaged his left hand, leaving him with poor mobility in two fingers. Despite this limitation, he became a trailblazing guitarist, co-founding the Quintette du Hot Club de France and inventing the "jazz manouche" style. His fast-paced, intricate solos and unique blend of traditional Roma music and American jazz made him an icon and trailblazer for countless musicians.

Dark Eyes, originally titled Ochi Chornye, is a Russian folk song that predates Reinhardt's adaptation. The song's lyrics are attributed to the Russian poet Yevhen Hrebinka, but the tune’s composer is no longer known. It gained popularity in the nineteenth century and became a well-known and beloved Russian love song. Reinhardt transformed the song into his own style, infusing it with his signature guitar techniques, improvisation, and the unmistakable swing of jazz. His version of Dark Eyes was recorded in 1940 with his quintet, featuring the violinist Stéphane Grappelli.