Chopin/Tarrega - Selections from Preludes Op. 28 for guitar solo (audio + sheet music)

Francisco Tarrega holds a similar place for guitarists as Chopin does for pianists: at the heart and the core of our repertoire. In his book TÁRREGA: Ensayo biográfico (Lisbon: 1960), Emilio Pujol quotes Liszt’s account of hearing Chopin play, and recognises Tárrega: ‘Perhaps it is possible to make the spell of ineffable poetry known to those who haven’t heard it before? The first was the revelation of an as yet unknown world of closely harmonised sonorities … marvellously created by prodigiously skilful fingers impelled by a divine breath … Afterwards it was the warmth of a generous and penetrating heart that gave light to the purest and highest thoughts of gifted geniuses and of his own in music and overcame the listener with the enchantment of melodies, rhythms and harmonies that are filled with a suggestive and overflowing emotion…’ Frederic Chopin was a pivotal inspiration, and Tárrega adopted several of Chopin’s compositional formats, such as preludes, mazurkas and waltzes, and indeed transcribed several of Chopin’s own works in these genres. These transcriptions shed a new light both on Chopin’s works and on Tárrega’s original music. The guitar can evoke in these pieces a softer light and a sensitive temperament: with the exception of the six open strings, the performer brings each note to life by the flesh of both hands. Hearing Tárrega’s original music next to Chopin’s, parts of his compositional aspirations become clear, both in form and bel-canto ideal. (Naxos Music Library) Please take note that the audio AND sheet music ARE NOT mine. Feel free to change the video quality to a minimum of 480p for the best watching experience. Original audio: Stefan Grasse (Xolo Music, 2021) Original sheet music: imslp.org/wiki/Preludes%2C_Op.28_(Chopin%2C_Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric) (Durand, 1919)