Elogio de la guitarra

Description

According to the composer’s own words, the Elogio de la guitarra challenges the guitarist’s technique and musical sensitivity. This incredibly well-balanced piece is derived from the sonata form. The first movement firmly starts with series of a triplets alternating with ascending and descending passages followed by rhythmic chords. The central section of the movement develops around a melodic theme. After a virtuoso moment with scales and chords, the first section reappears.
The next, more peaceful, two-theme movement is reminiscent of an ancient Castilian cathedral. The first theme consists of harmonic sounds, the second one, of chords.
In the last movement, the lively atmosphere and characteristics of the initial allegro are taken up again: a brilliant dense style in keeping with the composer’s challenge to the interpreter.

The three caprichos recorded here (Caprichos XIII, XVIII and II) are part of the 24 Caprichos de Goya opus 195, which were written in 1961 together with Tre preludi al Circeo opus 194 and Sonatina canonica opus 196. More than ever, Castelnuevo Tedesco shows his extraordinary command of guitar writing. The capricho title may be deceptive. It actually refers to dances: Capricho XIII is a tempo di rigaudon, Capricho XVIII, a chaconne (theme with variations), and Capricho III is a tempo di furlana.

Sérgio Assad, through giving concerts with his brother Odair, has gained international fame. He belongs to the younger generation of guitarists / composers who knowingly explore the full possibilities of the guitar.Aquarelle (1988) is based on a three-note motif (D, B-flat, C). This initial motif appears under various registers and structures the first section in the first movement. Another rhythmic motif, typical of the Brazilian march, links the first section to the second one. The third section, both lyrical and nostalgic, announces the re-appearance of the second section that ends with a small coda.
The central movement, Valseana, is a free piece meant as an interlude between the first and the third movement.
In Preludio e Tocatina, the melodic and rhythmics elements of the first movement — Divertimento — are being used again. The melody of the prelude (F-sharp, D, E) has the same interval as those of the initial motif of this movement. This melody completely spreads out in the first section of the Tocatina. The motif of the Fughato, before the final coda, is worked out in the second section.

Guitar teacher and Director of the Birmingham Schools Guitar Ensemble, Bryan Lester has written several didactic works about the guitar. He has also composed electronic music for films and compositions for documentary art films shown at the Tate Gallery. Five Jazz Fugues were written in the eighties. They combine the strict genre of the fugue and jazz music. According to the author, there are distinct links between the fugue and jazz: a clear, rhythmic sketch underlies the uninterrupted pattern.