LOVE ME TENDER - Elvis Presley-Victor Martinez Parada on Guitar

"Love Me Tender" (In only one string)

by Elvis Presley
Arrangement by
Victor Martinez Parada

Music taken from Elvis Presley's version of the original D Major (D Major) key.
The idea of ​​performing a version different from the already known ones became a reality when I included this new piece in my repertoire (prior to my tour of Australia in 2021).
Playing this iconic song only on the third string (G) of the guitar was very exciting to think about and perform. I was very curious about the audience's reception. However, contrary to the harmonic nature of the instrument and what is normally expected of this polyphonic instrument, I set out to do the task.

This experience has been very special in my artistic career, performing for the first time two iconic songs: "Love Me Tender" and "El Derecho de Vivir en Paz"(The right of living in peace) by Victor Jara (although in the latter,I incorporate accompaniment for half of the song).

Creating a Final Coda
The last four notes played on the guitar from the original Elvis Presley recording,
(A A A F# ), inspired me to develop a brief nostalgic coda contrasting with the theme.

The power of art gives us the opportunity to transport ourselves on a magical journey through time, evoking important moments in our own history, reflections, and dreams of a better world.
A tribute to these artists.

Perhaps you didn't know:
*) "Love Me Tender" Tender" is a 1956 ballad song recorded by Elvis Presley and published by "Elvis Presley Music" from the 20th Century Fox film of the same name. Lyrics are credited to "Vera Matson" (although the current lyricist was her husband, Ken Darby). The melody is identical to the sentimental Civil War ballad "Aura Lea" (sometimes spelled "Aura Lee") and therefore credited to Aura Lea's composer, the Englishman George R. Poulton. The RCA Victor recording by Elvis Presley was No. 1 on both the Billboard and Cashbox charts in 1956.

*)Also interesting historical information about “Aura Lea”=”Love me tender”.
which can be heard in numerous solo versions of "Aura Lea" and even in films about the American Civil War of 1861-1865 between the northern states, anti-slavery and defenders of the 1776 federal union, and the southern secessionists, (YouTube).

*)Victor Martinez Parada
Video recorded in live concert,at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.
Bathurst - Australia 2021
Les Currie tour manager
www.victormartinezparada.com