Scoreload

French Romantic guitarist and composer known for expanding the guitar's technical and expressive capabilities.Napoléon Coste was a prominent 19th-century guitarist-composer who studied under Fernando Sor. He published over 50 works for guitar, including études, fantasies, and suites, while pioneering the use of seven-string guitars. His career was tragically cut short by an arm injury in 1863, though he continued composing until his death in 1883.

• Coste suffered a career-ending injury in 1863 when a cab door crushed his right arm, permanently halting his performing career.
• He championed the seven-string guitar, designing special instruments to accommodate his complex compositions.
• Despite financial struggles, Coste won prestigious awards including a medal at the 1856 Brussels International Competition.
• He was posthumously recognized as a key figure in guitar evolution, with his compositions rediscovered in the 20th century.