Classical Guitar

Marek Pasieczny: Little Sonata

Composed and performed by Marek Pasieczny.

“After many years of composing highly advanced pieces both technically and musically demanding, I felt the need to write something considerably simpler in form and language. This composition was bent on the idea of creating something not only for professional guitarists, but also for those still studying at secondary school level.”

“Little Sonata (titled inspired by Paul Hindemith’s “Kleine Sonate” for cello and piano) is an easy four-movement short composition, leaning on the form of the sonata and kept in the tonal post-classical and neo-romantic language. It was inspired by the cycle for solo piano Impromptus Op . 9 by Franz Schubert.

“Written entirely on the piano and later ‘adapted’ for the guitar — it explains the highly pianistic chordal structures and harmonies that dictate the structure of the whole work. It was nevertheless composed with simplicity and ease for the guitar in mind.” –Marek Pasieczny

Fernando Sor: Fantasie, Op. 54 – Bream & Williams

A great look at the two giants, Julian Bream and John Williams, having a very fine time playing in one of Bream’s favorite spots, Wardour Chapel in Wiltshire, England, in 1979.

If you’ve been around the classical guitar world very long, you’ve heard lots of generalizations about these two. Popular opinion has it that Bream is the creative genius, while Williams is the supreme technician. Bream the Dionysian, Williams the Apollonian.

In this video we can see why people say such things. The contrast between them is striking.

But to stop there, with the easy observation, is to miss the best part of their gift to us.

What’s wonderful is the way their differences bring out the best in both. A beautiful and unexpected chemistry occurs.

As Williams himself said of the duo, “Although the way we each play is alike as chalk and cheese, we’re not two musicians, we’re an ensemble and we create magic together.”

Manuel de Falla: Ritual Fire Dance – Kupinski Guitar Duo

The Polish couple Ewa Jablczynska and Dariusz Kupinski are the Kupinski Guitar Duo. I found them on YouTube just a few minutes ago and couldn’t wait to post them here. It’s always great finding new talent on YouTube!

Robert de Visée: Prélude et Allemande – Jonas Nordberg, theorbo

This is what I like for the blog: beautiful music, beautifully played, and beautifully captured on video.

Sometimes people ask me to post their videos, but usually one of the main ingredients is missing. Often, the playing is excellent, but the videography is terrible. Or the visuals are good and the playing is good, but the audio quality is bad.

This video has it all.

Classical Guitar Strap

Curious to see what was possible for classical guitarists who want to play standing up, I Googled “classical guitar strap” and came up with this interesting item:

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