Fernando Sor's Op. 9 Introduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart is one of his most famous and frequently performed works, based on a theme from Mozart's opera Die Zauberflöte.
Historical Context
Between 1806 and 1810, there was a rapid advancement in guitar playing, with virtuosos emerging who were also composers, and new rational guitar manuals being published.
Composer Biography
Fernando Sor, born in Barcelona in 1778, came from a family with a long tradition of military service but was introduced to Italian opera and the guitar by his father.
Performer Biography
Gianluigi Giglio, the guitarist on this album, studied at the San Pietro a Majella Conservatoire of Naples and also holds a Master's degree in Architecture.
Instruments
The guitar used in this recording is a René Lacôte from Paris, 1834, strung with silk and gut strings, and tuned to A = 430hz.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Fernando Sor championed the guitar as an instrument suitable for the concert hall, aiming to rescue it from the tavern.
Compositional Technique
Fernando Sor's Op. 43 bagatelles, titled Mes Ennuis ('My Annoyances'), include the Fifth Bagatelle which anticipates tuning the sixth string to D instead of E, showcasing his mastery.
