Fernando Sor considered his "Seventh Fantasy on two famous favourite Airs Op. 30", dedicated to Dionisio Aguado (a Spanish guitarist and composer), to be "his jewel."
Composer's Artistic Vision
Many of Fernando Sor's compositions on this album are based on popular folk melodies that were well-known in France, especially Paris, during his time.
Composition History
Fernando Sor's "Fantaisie élégiaque Op. 59" was written in 1835 as a farewell to his pupil Charlotte Beslay, who died at 25 giving birth to her son.
Performer Biography
Michel Grizard, the guitarist on this album, performs early 19th-century repertoire on period instruments and is a co-founder of the Utopik ensemble, dedicated to contemporary music.
Compositional Technique
The "Fantaisie élégiaque Op. 59" by Fernando Sor includes the opening motif of Ludwig van Beethoven's Eroica Symphony and imitates the sound of a pianoforte, Charlotte Beslay's instrument.
Composer Biography
Fernando Sor, born in Barcelona in 1778, was forced into exile at age 30 due to his sympathies for the French Napoleonic invaders and never returned to his native Spain.
Compositional Technique
Fernando Sor's "Fantasy on a Scottish Favourite Air Op. 40" uses the Mixolydian mode, the "Scotch Snap" rhythmic value, and bagpipe-like harmonics to create an "exotic" mood.
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Sor: Introduction and Variations Opp. 26-28 / Etudes Op. 29
