Published by Jacaranda Music and very soon to go to press, this booklet is intended as a practical reference for those interested in the music for classical guitar commonly found in concerts and recorded programmes. The introduction below explains the background and scope of the text.

As well as entries for particular composers there are also essays on the following more general subjects:

Latin America

Myths

Nineteenth Century Music

Non-standard Guitars

Spain

Transcription

Twentieth Century Music

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'Classical Guitar - A Concert Repertoire Guide'

Introduction

The first edition of this guide was produced in August 1990. Eleven years later the second edition has been re-edited, expanded and refined, but keeps the same objective: to provide basic information as to the style, influences and major works of composers you are likely to encounter with some regularity in recital programmes, recordings and broadcasts of music generally described as 'Classical Guitar'.

The major difference is the inclusion of significant essays discussing broader matters: these are listed in the contents along with composers' entries, and all are in alphabetical order.

As before, the big challenge was what and who to leave out: the selection is inevitably arbitrary and personal. It was however based on the observation of recital programmes noted in the guitar press and from long personal experience, tempered by an ear for items of musical or historical importance informed by two decades of performance, composition and thinking about music. While some composers have come and some have gone, the majority of the entries remain essentially the same from the first edition. The focus remains mainly on the solo repertoire, which is still the overwhelming majority of the music heard by the concert going public, despite continuing advances in the ensemble world. Above all it is still an introductory manual for the listener: in aiming to concentrate on that which is currently of significance there is no pretence at a comprehensive listing of composers or a complete historical overview. Those interested in greater detail are referred to the Selected Further Reading at the end of the text.

Thanks to:

Colin Cooper, Graham Wade, Angelo Gilardino and the late Chris Kilvington.

Stephen Kenyon August 2001 Dorchester

About the author

Stephen Kenyon is a recitalist, composer, editor, teacher and critic. In writing this book he has drawn on the experience and insight of all these rôles to produce a guide that is practical and readable, and that looks at the subject with an insider's perspective.

He studied at Trinity College of Music in London with Gilbert Biberian and has performed in Europe and the USA. His music is published by Tuscany Publications and Mel Bay in the US, and by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Jacaranda Music in the UK.