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.
In this video I'm looking at No.19 from Op.60. From Op.60 - his 'introduction to the guitar' No.19 is in the key of G major.
The objective it seems is a legato lesson; forming chords and holding the left hand as you play the melody, a similar exercise can be found in No.18 Sheet Music
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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Noel Hathaway, the Belper Guitarist