Under the tutelage of his famous father Johann Sebastian Bach, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach studied harpsichord and clavichord during his early years and eventually adopted the piano as his primary instrument. A prolific composer, producing over 200 works, C.P.E. Bach wrote symphonies, sonatas and other instrumental works in the Rococo and early Classical style of the 18th century. This style of writing is marked by lyric phrases and light ornamentation that put aside the polyphony and thorough bass of the late baroque composers. The ideas for interpreting and ornamenting the sonatinas in this collection are taken from "Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments" by C.P.E. Bach. They transpose quite well for solo guitar and are a refreshing alternative to compositions by guitarists of the classical era like Sor and Giuliani.

These early keyboard works by Haydn were originally called Divertimentos or Sonatas, but because of their form and brevity were later renamed. Containing two to four movements each, they include much that is the essence of the Haydn style. The "Sonatina in G Major," Hob. XVI/8 is perhaps the best known of the set, yet all are worthy of study as preparation for Mozart and Haydn sonatas.

In this book, guitarist and music historian David Grimes presents 20 “small sonatas” or sonatinas, complete with detailed performance notes and bio sketches of each of the contributing composers: Leonhard von Call, Matteo Carcassi, Ferdinando Carulli, Mauro Giuliani, Francesco Molino, and Antonio Nava. While flexible, the early 19th-century sonatina form usually consists of 2 - 4 contrasting movements, here in guitar-friendly keys, making these pieces ideal for performance by intermediate-level students. In all but the most challenging passages, Grimes has intentionally kept fingering to a minimum to allow students to form their own concept of this critical skill. Then, as many bass notes in these pieces are played on open strings, the player must develop a sense of when to selectively damp dissonant tones or observe a rest— exposing and overcoming yet another shortcoming in the education of many guitarists. Most classic guitar teachers are familiar with the easy didactic studies by Carcassi, Carulli and Giuliani; Favorite Sonatinas offers more highly developed, but not yet virtuoso pieces by the same Italian triumvirate— plus three more composers in a similar vein— promoting confident, enjoyable sight-reading by guitarists of all levels.

At about the same time as 1783-85, a version for piano duet was made which rearranged the movements of the five Divertimenti as '6 Viennese Sonatinas'. Our new edition is based on the piano version of 1803 but also takes into account the original wind divertimenti and attempts to combine the original phrasing and part-writing with an idiomatic pianistic style.

These early keyboard works by Haydn were originally called Divertimentos or Sonatas, but because of their form and brevity were later renamed. Containing two to four movements each, they include much that is the essence of the Haydn style. The Sonatina in G Major, Hob. XVI/8 is perhaps the best known of the set, yet all are worthy of study as preparation for Mozart and Haydn sonatas.

(Book). We proudly present the fifth edition of Maurice J. Summerfield's highly acclaimed ultimate reference book on the classical guitar. This brand new book features all the original biographical entries updated with new photographs where applicable, plus 100 new biographical entries in the players, composers and makers section for a total of over 485. This new edition gives the reader a full and clear picture of the classical guitar's development since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Also included are informative sections on composers, scholars, flamenco guitarists and guitar makers. The book's collection of several hundred photographs is the most complete to be published in one volume. There are extensive listings of the most important classical guitar recordings. The final section, Sources of Supply, guides readers to where they can obtain the books, recordings, music and magazines listed in the book. Without a doubt, this new edition will be the essential work of reference on the subject of classical guitar for years to come! "My sincere congratulations to Maurice Summerfield." Andres Segovia

Famous and popular selections include works by Bach, Sor, Clementi, Byrd, Rameau, Grieg, Moussourgsky, and Paganini. Tablature, historical notes, and performance tips appear with each piece.