Fernando Sor, study No.17, 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. Sheet Music

The studies range from grade 1 to grade 7. However the majority of the pieces are around the grade 4 to 5 level.

This study is in the key of C major. The intent seems primarily to be lesson on using the plucking hand. It's really important to know where you're fingers are in relation to the strings. Sor encourages you to think about this with co-ordinated exchanges between the Thumb and i, m, a fingers. Tip, The thumb is used on the down beat and a finger on the up beat.

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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