The quantity of classical guitar literature reached a new peak late in the twentieth century with many famous guitarists publishing their own works for solo classical guitar. This increase in the published guitar literature resulted in a decline of the relative analytical discussions of contemporary guitar works. Sérgio Assad is a perfect example of an active guitarist/composer whose works are frequently performed in guitar recitals and yet very little discussion has been provided attempting to gain a deeper understanding of his compositional language. The purpose of this study is to two-fold: first, to show that Fantasia Carioca (1994) is a very carefully organized work and includes an intricate network of thematic material developed through a spectrum of intervallic gestures, of which all derive from the main theme of the piece; second, to provide a deeper insight into the compositional language of Sérgio Assad through a demonstration of different compositional procedures to which the composer resorts. This one-movement piece reveals a high level of organization present in Sérgio Assad's style. The entire thematic material is carefully derived from the main theme. Each thematic unit shows a set of predetermined characteristics that allow these units to react to particular textures and situations. The thematic organization is interwoven with important intervallic gestures and relationships, which lead the development of the thematic material. The insight into the applied techniques and structural elements provides a highly beneficial pool of information for anybody who decides to perform this piece. The offered arguments also serve as a good starting point for further analytical approaches and examinations of the growing oeuvre of Assad's classical guitar music.

More accurate and authentic performances of Sérgio Assad's (b. 1952) Aquarelle and his Fantasia Carioca can be obtained through insights provided by formal analysis of those pieces, study of the performing traditions of Brazilian traditional music, and the composer's reflections and comments. This document guides readers in recognizing the subtleties that characterize Assad's style and its Brazilian traditional music influences. A select group of styles has been chosen based on their relevance in Assad's work. Characterized by unique accent patterns and melodic/harmonic "clichés," the influences of each Brazilian music genre can be identified in specific measures of the two Assad's pieces included in this study. The correlation between measures and genres provides specific stylistic features that the performer can apply toward an authentic execution.