Fernando Sor study No.18, Op.60 for classical guitar
Fernando Sor’s complete studies Op.60 is one of the most famous etude collections. Each study covers a different learning concept. It's a very musical collection, especially when compared to other composers for the guitar from around the same time. It can be hard to initially see the intent behind each etude. The primary goal though of the collection as a whole I believe is to promote clean legato technique whilst playing through various harmonies/textures.
The studies range from grade 1 to grade 7. However the majority of the pieces are around the grade 4 to 5 level.
From Op.60 - his 'introduction to the guitar' No.18 is in the key of A minor.
The focus of this etude seems primarily to be a legato exercise, forming chords and holding the fingering, as you cleanly play the melody. The key to getting this down smoothly is to practise visualising each chord in isolation, planning the move between them. Taking things slowly to start with is beneficial and make sure you know a section before moving on.
Fernando Sor found fame as a virtuoso performer and composer, creating a great interest in the guitar (Spanish style). To help others learn to play he created music for instructional purposes, organising them into Opus' which move through levels of musical complexity and technical difficulty. Whilst the studies are mainly looked at for pedagogical reasons, many of them do stand alone as useful repertoire pieces.
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