About the music
The repertoire that is available has been carefully chosen, to give musically satisfying and challenging experiences for the performer.
Different combinations are offered. ( See below )
Guitar / Voice
2 Guitars / Voice
Guitar Duet
Guitar plus Flute / Violin / Recorder / Cello
Guitar Solo
Definitions
Realisation:
an accompaniment created from figured bass or sketched harmonic structure.
Transcription:
a near ‘note for note’ accompaniment or solo piece drawn from the composer’s score.
Arrangement:
an original accompaniment.
A brief history
Over the years John found the ensemble repertoire to be somewhat lightweight, repetitive and lacking inspiration. He has always been interested in the voice and vocal music, realising that here was a huge repertoire to call on and virgin territory, as far as the guitar was concerned. He set about arranging, transcribing and performing these new pieces. That process is now being extended with the addition of new music and John hopes that this growing catalogue will be welcomed by guitarists, singers and other instrumentalists.
About the music
The majority of music is drawn from the Baroque and Classical periods with some excursions into the Renaissance and 20th Century. There is a wide range of songs and instrumental pieces available in the catalogue.
Many of the songs are drawn from the Masques and Operas of the early period. These entertainments, largely for the delight of the court and royalty, were full of beautiful Arias, many of which have survived the test of time. The Operas, for which they were written, have mostly been forgotten. What we have left are scores of beautiful songs…
A personal view
John has been enchanted by the charismatic sound of the guitar since he first heard it at the age of 12 years. He has studied the instrument to a high level; gained Diplomas for performance; studied in Master Class with Julian Bream and John Williams ( which, he says, gave him “life enhancing opportunities and experiences” ); performed the solo, concerto and ensemble repertoire in Great Britain, Europe and America; taught a wide range of students, several of whom have gone on to Conservatoire and careers in music; written a major didactic work, “The Elusive Aesthetic” and worked as a Mentor for Classical Guitar on the ABRSM Professional Development programme…
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