"In addition to the nearly fifty pages of music presented separately in notation and tablature, Doan provides general remarks for each piece referencing the intended special harpolyre effects sought in the original music, a detailed musical analysis, and transcription footnotes."-- back cover.

The present new Urtext edition of Sor's didactic pieces takes a different approach to that taken by other editions even recent ones. In preparing the material for publication, Chanterelle strove to maintain a close adherence to the composer's own statements regarding the pieces as they appear in his various writings. At the same time, each individual reference was evaluated against other available historical evidence to determine the extent to which it truly repesents Sor's applied technique, the way he actually performed these pieces himself. Opp.6, 12, 29, 31, 35, 44 & 60, with Historical Notes, Full Commentary, Thematic Index, and Playing Suggestions.

The guitar studies of Fernando Sor (1778-1839) have long been valued highly among the indispensable elements of a guitarist's training. A number of prominent virtuosi attribute a large portion of their development to the diligent study of these works. Sor's studies address an impressive array of technical and musical topics, including proper left-hand fingering, training of the right hand, interval and chord formations, scales, arpeggios, repeated notes, ligados, barring, natural harmonics, control of note duration, balance of melody versus accompaniment, and the handling of contrapuntal voices. A careful study of these pieces will lay the groundwork for a solid technique and allow the guitarist to build the control necessary for the expression of his or her musical concepts. In preparing this edition David Grimes worked with Sor's original publications, but incorporated some alterations that appear in those studies that Napoleon Coste chose to include in his Methode complete pour la Guitarre par Ferdinand Sor. Furthermore, Mr. Grimes has corrected misprints, modernized the notation and rectified some inconsistencies. Finally, some developments in technique since Sor's day have been incorporated in this edition.

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).

Expertly arranged classical guitar folio from our Kalmus Edition.

Fernando: Beethoven of the Guitar portrays the incredible life and enduring legacy of Fernando Sor, the greatest guitarist-composer of his era, and the first to elevate the guitar from the taverns of Spain to the concert halls of Europe. Book I of this trilogy recounts Fernando's enchanted childhood in Barcelona and Montserrat, his meteoric rise to fame in Madrid, his friendship with Goya, and his patriotic response to Napoleon's invasion of Iberia. Beautifully written and meticulously researched ... a fascinating account of the amazing life of Fernando Sor, the greatest virtuoso and composer in the history of music for guitar. -- Santiago del Rey, Editor and Translator, Barcelona A magical and wondrous tale, and a treat for the senses, restoring Fernando Sor to his rightful position as a 'son of Spain' who took the guitar to unimaginable heights. -- Michèle de Gastyne, President, Musique Universelle Arc-en-Ciel, Paris Both an act of love and an act of homage, this romantic historical novel reveals Marinoff as a spellbinding storyteller. The sheer range of reference is immense; a truly inspiring read. -- Colin Clarke, International Classical Music Critic, London Fernando is a tour de force. So vivid is the style, Marinoff''s great love and affinity for Sor are evident throughout. Bravo on an engrossing account of this fascinating genius! -- Maestro Cesare Civetta, Founder and Music Director, Beethoven Festival Orchestra, New York All classical guitarists know how important Sor was to their world, but this book goes far beyond that ... a most enjoyable and informative read for people from all walks of life. -- Peter McCutcheon, Professor of Classical Guitar, The University of Montreal A delightful embroidering of a history, through a Europe you probably didn't know much about, with a level of gusto that is unlikely to be equaled. Hats off to Marinoff for this astonishing book! -- Jan Narveson, Ph.D., O.C., Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Waterloo, and President, Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society A rare triumph that combines historical fiction with philosophical romance. Lou Marinoff offers us a virtuoso performance, entwining music, mystery, and metaphysics in a gripping tale. -- Makarand R. Paranjape, Ph.D., Professor of English Literature, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla Marinoff conveys the spirit, manners, and social conditions of a past age with realistic detail and fidelity, framed in beautiful prose ... a welcome and exceptional gift. -- Juan Carlos Mercado, Ph.D., Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Worker Education, The City College of the City University of New York Lou Marinoff, Ph.D., is Professor of Philosophy at The City College of New York, and an internationally bestselling author. He publishes scholarly works, popular philosophy books, and fiction.