Frederic Chopin was one of the most original and influential composers in history. Although he only lived 39 years, he wrote music that has thoroughly embedded itself in our culture. His melodies are often instantly familiar to us and show a profound lyric sense. Many qualities of Chopin's music are ideal for guitar transcription. He wrote pieces that are short with a manageable range. The textures are mostly single melody lines with harmonic accompaniment without the complex counterpoint that can be so difficult on the guitar. His music is often soft, intimate, subtle, and full of naunces of articulation, dynamics, and phrasing. These qualities transfer quite naturally to the guitar. While remaining as faithful as possible to the composer's musical intentions, these pieces experienced some modification that is noted in the provided performance notes. Intermediate in difficulty, this book assumes the player has basic knowledge of the guitar and familiarity with either standard music notation or guitar tablature. Selections include: Prelude Op. 28, No. 7; Prelude Op. 28, No. 20; Prelude Op. 28, No. 4; Cantabile; Mazurka Op. 6, No. 2; Prelude Op. 28, No , 15; Nocturne Op. 9, No. 2; Nocturne Op. 15, No. 3; Nocturne Op. 37, No 1; and Nocturne Op. 55, No. 1. Includes online access to the audio recording of all these beautiful pieces.

Nearly 300 letters reveal Chopin as both man and artist and illuminate his fascinating world — Europe of the 1830s and 1840s. "Delightful gossip . . . merry rather than malicious . . . engagingly witty." — Books. Preface. Index.

This collection presents, for the first time, the complete Mazurkas of Frederic Chopin arranged for solo classical guitar. the Mazurka is the only form the composer embraced throughout his lifetime. the distinctive and personal pieces are unimaginably varied and colorful, ranging from brief and vigorous dances to deep and complex extended works. Always achingly melodic and featuring surprising harmonies not evident in his other compositions, the Mazurkas are a true monument to Chopin's genius. These new arrangements were prepared with rigorous fidelity to the originals, while never sacrificing true playability. Careful attention to every detail of execution combined with thorough notes on each piece and the folk dance tradition that inspired them to make this unique offering truly user-friendly. Musically beautiful, idiomatic and accessible, this monumental collection is a breathtaking addition to the guitar repertoire. Written in standard notation only.

This text includes fifty-eight pieces of music as well as a recorded CD of the entire book. Ben Bolt believes these pieces are the best of the best for developing technique, musicianship, and exposing the guitarist to the ingenious musical world of Fernando Sor. Regardless of your current level of expertise, this music will be a joy to learn and listen to. Titles include: Napoleon's Theme; E Minor at Midnight; Rhapsody in D; March of the Wooden Soldier; and Easter Hymn are sure to please any audience. Ben Bolt's digital recordings of his arrangements are superb. His warm tone and singing vibrato bring Sor's music to life. All interpretations are classically correct. He plays on his Fleta and Sons concert guitar made in Barcelona, Spain (1976). Fernando Sor was born in Barcelona, Spain (1778).

The importance of Francisco Tarrega in the history of the classic guitar is immeasurable. With his original compositions and transcriptions, Tarrega broughtthe classical guitar to new heights by giving it a repertoire of its own and consequently influencing virtually every modern day classical guitarist. In thisvolume, Ben Boldt presents 29 pieces by Tarrega in standard notation and tablature. Titles include: Lagrima; Preludes in G, A, and D major; Danza Mora; Marieta! (Mazurca); Mazurca en sol; Maria; Minuetto; Adelita (Mazurca); Pavana; La Alborada; Capricho Arabe; and many others. Text in English, Spanish, French, and Japanese