Detailed discussion of tuning the classical guitar within the context of equal temperament's development. Alternative models for tuning systems are discussed along with accurate and practical guidelines on how to tune the conventional classical guitar using equal temperament.

Detailed discussion of tuning the classical guitar within the context of equal temperament's development. Alternative models for tuning systems are discussed along with accurate and practical guidelines on how to tune the conventional classical guitar using equal temperament.

Detailed discussion of tuning the classical guitar within the context of equal temperament's development. Alternative models for tuning systems are discussed along with accurate and practical guidelines on how to tune the conventional classical guitar using equal temperament.

This study examines select early works for the guitar by Fernando Sor (1778-1839). The works are discussed in some detail in terms of texture, use of idiomatic techniques and form in order to obtain a better understanding of Sor's early compositional practice and early style of playing the guitar. One of the central goals of the study is to trace and analyze the various revisions Sor made to a specific work, the El Mérito (ca. 1803), before publishing it as the Grande Sonate (1825) some twenty years later, and by doing so, also to shed light on Sor's development as both composer and performer during the relatively long time span between the completion of El Mérito and the publication of the Grande Sonate.

No description available.

Ecumene is a word describing the collective traditions and influence of a geographically and historically recognizable culture; in this study, the inhabitants of the Balkan region. In compositions by Dusan Bogdanovic (b.1955), Nikos Mamangakis (b. 1929) and Ian Krouse (b.1956), Balkan ecumene can be heard shaping modern repertoire for the classical guitar. In this study, relevant geography is first outlined, followed by a detailed investigation of how specific Balkan rhythms, melodies, and harmonies are used in selected works by these composers. The works are: Six Balkan Miniatures by Bogdanovic;, Hassapiko and Tsifteteli from Folk Dance Suite by Mamangakis, and Variations on a Moldavian Hora by Krouse. An exploration of other academic study into musical synthesis gives context to the blending of Eastern European folk music and Western classical art music found here.

During the first half of the twentieth century, a unique style of guitar playing known as Kentucky thumbpicking was developed by a handful of musicians in the western coal field region of Kentucky. This guitar tradition was elevated to national prominence by country guitar virtuoso Merle Travis. Subsequently, this style became characterized as "Travis Picking." Kentucky thumbpicking incorporates a steady and muted bass line that alternates between the root, fifth or third of a chord. The bass is also accentuated with the use of a thumbpick worn on the right hand. Simultaneously, the index, occasionally middle and ring fingers, play the harmony and melody on the upper strings of the guitar in a syncopated rhythm. Thumbpicking is venerated because of its reverence for individualism and adaptability. One of the primary reasons it has become so prominent is because of its flexibility; it is able to be adapted to various types of music. An historical overview of Kentucky thumbpicking is provided in order to trace its origins and development as well as explaining the style’s technical traits. Arrangements of a select few songs from the advent of this style’s development are transcribed and discussed in order to demonstrate how this repertoire translates to the classical guitar and guitar playing techniques. Insight from the perspective of a classically trained guitarist will illustrate how thumbpicking procedures can be incorporated into the classical guitar repertoire. Thereby introducing Kentucky thumbpicking to a new audience.

Mario Davidovsky is an American composer who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 4, 1934. Beginning in 1958, he was a student of Aaron Copland at the Berkshire Music Center (currently the Tanglewood Music Center) in Lenox, Massachusetts. At Berkshire, he also met American composer, Milton Babbitt, who persuaded him to work at the Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center (currently the Computer Music Center at Columbia University) in New York City. Davidovsky was appointed Associate Director of the Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center in 1960 where he inevitably began experimenting with the relationships between live instruments and electronic sounds. Synchronisms No. 10 for guitar and tape (1992) is a piece for solo classical guitar and pre-recorded synthesized sounds. The piece was dedicated to David Starobin, the current Professor of Guitar at the Manhattan School of Music, who also edited the guitar part. This particular piece in the Synchronisms series shows that Davidovsky is aware of the limitations of the guitar in regard to dynamic range and decay of sound. Knowing these limitations, Davidovsky utilizes the various abilities of the instrument including its wide timbral range and use as a percussive medium. Although Davidovsky himself has been quoted as not using pitch-class sets of any kind, a post-tonal analysis can be applied to this piece in order to further understand individual sections and interaction between guitar and recording. Also, a review of the performance techniques necessary to approach this piece, and how said techniques are implemented, will help the musician perform at a higher level.

The study addresses the preparatory information needs of potential performers of solo classical guitar concerti. Identifying a range of specific decisions that play an important part in the pre-performance planning of an anticipated concerto performance provides performance considerations for each selected concerto. The content of six solo classical guitar concerti spanning almost 180 years by six composers from four countries was analysed for the purpose of this study. Two early guitar concerti by guitarist composers Mauro Giuliani (1781-1829) and Ferdinando Carulli (1770-1841), two modern concerti by non-guitarist composers Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895-1968) and Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) and two modern concerti by guitarist composers Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) and Leo Brouwer (b.1939) were investigated. The study examines specific compositional and performance aspects of each concerto to serve as a guideline for professional performers, students and teachers. Each concerto was analysed according to similar themes: the historical significance of the investigated concerti, pre-performance considerations, the level of difficulty of selected concerti, technical observations, performance recommendations and observations regarding balance between the soloist and orchestra. As an addendum the study provides a comprehensive list of published concerti for solo classical guitar. / Mini Dissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Music / MMus / Unrestricted

No description available.