The development of the solo classical guitar repertoire, 1800-1850.

Abstract

The paper discusses the development of the classical guitar repertoire. The earliest compositions were composed by guitarists. Later, non-guitarist composers contributed to the repertoire. The changes in the physical construction of the guitar and how these affected the music written for the instrument are also considered. Chapter I briefly discusses the history of the guitar centering on the four-course "Renaissance" and five-course "Spanish" guitar. The music, composers and evolution of the instrument are mentioned. Chapter II examines the music from the early six-string guitar to the modern Torres guitar. The music and life of guitarist/composers Sor, Giuliani and Tarrega are presented along with some brief discussions of other guitarists of the nineteenth century. Torres and his contributions to the physical enhancement of the instrument are also briefly discussed. Chapter III primarily deals with the repertoire introduced by Andres Segovia. The composers who wrote for Segovia and their music are discussed, including Torroba, Turina, Ponce, Villa-Lobos and Castelnuovo-Tedesco. The life of Segovia is briefly discussed throughout this chapter. Chapter IV reviews the progression of the repertoire. This chapter is the conclusion of the paper and provides a general overview of the guitar, its performers, and its repertoire.