Who's behind the notes? Discover Fernando Sor: The Beethoven of the Guitar
Fernando Sor was a Spanish classical guitarist and composer, born in 1778 and considered one of the most important figures in the classical guitar world. His "24 Exercices très faciles, Op. 35" is a set of exercises designed to help guitarists develop their technique.
Here are some interesting facts about Fernando Sor and this specific set of exercises:
Influence on Guitar Education: Sor's Opus 35 exercises are part of his broader contribution to guitar education. He wrote several method books and studies that remain influential in the teaching of classical guitar technique.
Progressive Difficulty: The Op. 35 exercises are known for their progressive difficulty. They start with relatively simple pieces and gradually increase in complexity, providing a structured approach for students to enhance their skills.
Musicality in Exercises: Unlike some purely technical exercises, Sor infused his studies with musicality. Each exercise has melodic and harmonic elements, making them more enjoyable to practice while still serving their pedagogical purpose.
Melodic Invention: Sor's compositions, including these exercises, often showcase his melodic invention. Despite being technical studies, they are not devoid of musicality, contributing to the development of both technical and expressive aspects of guitar playing.
Contribution to the Classical Guitar Repertoire: Apart from his pedagogical works, Sor composed numerous solo guitar pieces, duets, and chamber music, contributing significantly to the classical guitar repertoire. Some of his compositions are still popular and frequently performed today.
Life and Legacy: Fernando Sor lived during a period of significant change in European music. He spent a considerable amount of time in Paris, where he was a part of the musical scene. His legacy as a guitarist and composer endures, with many guitarists continuing to study and perform his works.
Sor's Op. 35 exercises stand as a testament to his dedication to advancing the technical and musical aspects of classical guitar playing.