Allegretto (Moonlight) Op. 35 No. 22 by Fernando Sor

[burnabyguitar]

Allegretto (Moonlight) Op. 35 No. 22 by Fernando Sor
https://youtu.be/S0KPtcBkdjE

Also shared on Open Classical At Home Showcase Oct 27
https://youtu.be/ueWXNe89lFc?t=1278

Fernando Sor (1778-1839) was a Spanish classical guitarist and composer. In Spain he is sometimes known as the "Beethoven of the Guitar". Although he is best known for his guitar compositions, he also composed music for a wide range of genres, including opera, orchestra, string quartet, piano, voice, and ballet. Sor's contemporaries considered him to be the best guitarist in the world. Op. 35 No. 22 Allegretto is one of RCM (The Royal Conservatory of Music) Grade 6 studies. Sor designates as "Moonlight", probably because of the nocturne style melody and the constant F# bass, and we note that Beethoven may well have lifted its figures for his famous Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor. 

As a beautiful piece for almost every guitarist to learn, some guitar teachers suggest the study is perfect for studying the "apoyando (rest stroke) melody with accompaniment" technique, which is acceptable for entry or intermediate level students, but it will break the notes on the adjacent lower string which rings the accompaniment. To make the piece perfect, the more advanced student can use tirando (free stroke) play the melody with accent to reach the same effect of apoyando while keep the notes on the lower string ringing.