PLAY } CLASSICAL

This month Bridget Mermikides takes us step by step through a beautiful study by the man who many consider to be the forefather of classical guitar.

ON VIDEO

In this issue we are focusing on two fundamental techniques of the classical guitar: the free stroke (‘tirando’) and rest stroke (‘apoyando’), and how we control them in order to balance a melody with its accompaniment. While a pianist might achieve this by altering the dynamics between their two hands, the guitarist must learn to accomplish it within the picking hand. I have devised two exercises to address this skill and this in turn will allow us to playthe wonderful Study No.18, Opus 35 (published in 1828) by the Spanish composer and perhaps first virtuoso of the instrument, Fernando Sor (1778-1839). Sor was a successful performer, respected teacher and prodigious composer (his work includes two operas, nine ballets and three symphonies). However, it is with the development of the classical guitar where Sor’s enduring influence lies. His output of pieces, studies, lessons and exercises, have bred generations of classical guitarists from student to master, and are as useful (and used) today as in his lifetime. Sor was also able to blend a very sophisticated and expressive musical voice with useful technical exercises -a rare achievement, particularly on the guitar.