My performances include several estudios by writer-performers from the 1820’s and 30’s, who defined the guitar’s techniques and earliest ornamentation: Sors, Carcassi and Aguado. There is a transcription of a Bach Prelude (BWV999) which many pianists know, probably scored for the lute originally. There is a Chopin transcription and adaptation, by his contemporary Taregga. Tarrega was further responsible for developing what is considered modern technique, using additional right hand digits and employing “the rest stroke…” which accents the melody line, and creates more volume for the appropriate string. This is different than the technique for any other plucked string instrument.

Further stylistic developments (beyond the technical) are apparent in miniatures by Miguel Llobbet from the Spanish (Catalon) culture during the century’s first three decades, and a waltz by Agustin Barrios in Mexico during the 1930’s.Often I play a “Juapunga,” taken from one of the two hundred plus dance patterns in South America; many were popular forms seventy or more years ago.