Comments on: Choosing Repertoire

By: Sonia Michelson

Sonia Michelson — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:38:09 +0000

Hello Chris,

An interesting repertoire list.

I would also add Charles Duncan’s ” A Modern Approach to Classical Guitar” and his “Finger Style Pop Clsssics.

Mel Bay Presnets “Young Beginner’s First Repertoire for Classic Guitar” by Sonia Michelson

and for sight reading: Robert Benedict’s ” Sight Reading for the Classical Guitar”

By: Midway

Midway — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:16:58 +0000

If anyone is interested in listening to Kampela giving the premiere of his Percussion Study IV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrmzck8mb10
(the notes accompanying the video are interesting to read. Kampela is at the very front of creative musical avant guarde. Make no mistake: this is a master performer!)

By: Christopher Davis

Christopher Davis — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:51:59 +0000

I think I’d have to look a the score to be a better judge. You can hear the relationship between the various parts, though. I understand he’s working more with sounds rather than pitches, but that sort of music isn’t my thing. I’d rather have a very crazy melody than a bunch of just sounds and colors.

By: Christopher Davis

Christopher Davis — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:32:32 +0000

I don’t like the percussion study. I get very tired of pieces composed entirely of noises/special effects. Due Conzoni Lidie is quite good, very interesting use of harmonics. Interesting sense of tonality, and a cool ostinato (reminds me Brouwer’s Preludios Epigramaticos).

By: Midas

Midas — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:29:18 +0000

I wish there was a video where one could see Kampela perform though…
It sounds incredible – he seems to be using all kinds of techniques; and blends them in a compositionally coherent and interesting way.
What do you think?

By: Midas

Midas — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:25:57 +0000

You might also want to have a look at Arthur Kampela’s “Percussion studies” for guitar.

Here is “Percussion Study III”, performed by the composer
http://www.kampela.com/Kampela_music/Percussion_Study_III_1.mp3

By: Midas

Midas — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:17:51 +0000

Hello Chris!

Choosing repertoire is always an interesting part of being a guitarist, since should combine stylistic, technical, emotional and other aspects (if it is done correctly).

By the way, since I think you sometimes like modern works, here’s one of the great 2oth century masterpieces of the guitar “Due Canzoni Lidie”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDSS8J7j9Lk
(interpreted by the composer himself!)

By: Jeffrey Bianchi

Jeffrey Bianchi — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:34:10 +0000

I usually find it a good to throw in some concert etudes (Villa-Lobos, etc.). It kills two birds with one stone… Gives you some good pieces to play live as well as giving you pieces to keep help with technique.