Fernando Sor And The Dark Ages Of Guitar

Summary

This video delves into the life and music of Fernando Sor, a prominent guitarist and composer in the early 19th century. Sor's struggle to elevate the guitar to the level of other classical instruments, despite its initial dismissal by the musical establishment, is explored alongside his significant contributions to guitar music. The video highlights Sor's personal and artistic challenges, his search for success in opera, and his dedication to composing for the guitar, resulting in enduring masterpieces. Insights into how modern guitarists should approach Sor's music, along with a look at historical editions and techniques, are also provided.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sor was a highly influential guitarist and composer, known for his dramatic, emotional, and expressive music, which is a joy to play and practice.
• 😀 Despite the guitar’s fluctuating popularity, the early 19th century, marked by virtuosos like Mauro Giuliani and Ferdinando Carulli, saw the guitar rise to prominence in Europe.
• 😀 Sor was born into a Spanish upper-middle-class family and initially worked in administration, but his involvement with Napoleon’s occupying forces led to his exile from Spain.
• 😀 After being forced to leave Spain, Sor tried his hand at composing opera and ballet music, with his ballet *Cendrillon* being a big success across Europe.
• 😀 Sor's commitment to elevating the guitar as a serious instrument, despite its reputation as an amateur instrument, made his music challenging to perform but highly regarded.
• 😀 Many contemporary musicians doubted the guitar’s place in the professional music world, leading Sor to compose music that adhered to the highest musical standards.
• 😀 Sor’s *Fantaisie Élégiaque* (Op. 59) is one of his most romantic and emotionally charged pieces, written in memory of his student Charlotte Beslay who died in childbirth.
• 😀 The research surrounding Sor’s music is complicated due to the various editions and misprints, making it essential to choose reliable historical sources for accurate performances.
• 😀 Sor's personal playing style differed from modern standards, particularly in his use of the right hand and avoidance of the ring finger, which can be a valuable technique for interpreting his music.
• 😀 The guitar’s popularity waned after the early 19th century’s *Great Vogue*, and it would take over 50 years for it to regain significant attention, with Sor and his contemporaries being rediscovered later on.

Q & A

Why was the guitar once considered the 'unquestioned champion' of all instruments?

The guitar experienced a peak in popularity during the early 19th century, with prominent musicians and composers dedicating significant time and energy to it. Kings, queens, and renowned composers battled for recognition, making it a highly respected instrument for a brief but notable period.

Who is considered one of the greatest guitar composers of the 19th century?

Fernando Sor is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar composers of the 19th century. His music is dramatic, emotional, and expressive, making him stand out as a prominent figure of his time.

What is notable about Sor's music, according to Erik Stenstadvold?

Erik Stenstadvold praises Sor's music for being not only magnificent to listen to but also a joy to play. Sor's compositions are considered head and shoulders above other guitar composers of his period, providing satisfaction both in performance and practice.

What significant event marked the rise of the guitar in the early 19th century?

The early 19th century saw the emergence of two Italian virtuosos, Mauro Giuliani in Vienna and Ferdinando Carulli in Paris, who played pivotal roles in bringing the guitar back into fashion. Their influence led to the 'Great Vogue' of guitar music.

How did Sor's background and early career influence his later work as a guitarist?

Sor was born into a Spanish upper middle-class family and initially worked in administration, including as a police commissioner. After being exiled for collaborating with Napoleon's forces, he had to make a living from music, eventually focusing solely on composing for the guitar after failing to establish himself as an opera composer.

What is the 'Great Vogue' in the context of guitar history?

The 'Great Vogue' refers to a period in the early 19th century when the guitar gained immense popularity, largely due to the influence of virtuosos like Giuliani and Carulli. It was a time when guitar music flourished in major European cities like Paris and Vienna.

How did Sor's approach to composing for the guitar differ from his contemporaries?

Sor sought to elevate the guitar to the level of other classical instruments, focusing on sophisticated and complex compositions that challenged the norms of guitar music at the time. This approach often made his music more difficult to play compared to the simpler, more accessible compositions favored by amateurs.

What challenges did Sor face in trying to make a living as a composer?

Despite his talent, Sor struggled to make a sustainable living from his compositions, particularly because the guitar was often seen as an amateur instrument. His attempts to establish himself as an opera composer were unsuccessful, leading him to compose exclusively for the guitar in his later years.

What is the significance of Sor's 'Fantaisie Élégiaque'?

The 'Fantaisie Élégiaque' is Sor's last composition for solo guitar, written in 1836. It is known for its deeply emotional and sorrowful tone, reflecting the grief Sor felt after the death of his student, Charlotte Beslay. It is considered one of his most romantic and transcendent works.

Why is there confusion regarding the 'correct' edition of Sor's music?

The confusion arises because Sor's music exists in multiple editions from his time, each containing editorial choices and potential misprints. Various historical sources, such as French and London editions, present differing versions of his works, making it difficult to determine Sor's original intentions.