Fernando Sor

For the first time complete on CD: the Fantasias for guitar of Fernando Sor.

The works of Sor form the basis of the classical guitar style, developing the technique to a highly professional level. The works are charming, galant and well-crafted, classically styled. Played by one of Italy’s best guitarists: Stefano Palamidessi.Fernando Sor (1778-1839) deepens in his own studies at the historical monastery of Montserrat his knowledge of the vocal and instrumental polyphonic heritage of the previous centuries.The Fantasies, on original Themes or even more frequently on given Themes (opera arias or popular tunes), give – through the principle of variations – a maximum prominence to not only the technical-expressive abilities of the instrument but also to the skill of the interpretercomposer. According to the tradition in the eighteenth century, the Fantasy generically takes a tripartite form; the core of Variations is preceded by a slow introduction and followed by a Finale, which is often a waltz or another dance of a brilliant nature. Though in line with these principles, Fernando Sor, who was characterised as a intimist personality, gives the best of himself in the introductive sections: they form the expressive heart of his compositions: through them he highlights his instrumental and tone colour expertise.

Stefano Palamidessi studied guitar and composition and graduated summa cum laude from the “San Cecilia” conservatory of Rome. He won more than 20 competitions for guitar, including the International Contest “Mauro Giuliani”, “Fernando Sor”, “Lagonegro”

Stefano Palamidessi is also an enthusiastic organizer. Founder and promoter. From 1985 to 1991 of the Rome International Guitar Festival, he was the Didactic Director of the Fondazione Arts Academy of Rome . . . He is also the organizer of some important musical events, like the Summer Festival "Tuscania Città della Musica.

In 2004 Alexander Frauchi was awarded with the First Class Order of the Defendant of Motherland for his outstanding service in the performing arts and teaching. He also has an international guitar competition named after him. This CD includes Paganini’s Grand Sonata for Violin and guitar in A major and his Sonata for Violin and Guitar in A major.

For the first time, this budget priced 6 CD collection re-presents Segovia’s highly-prized recordings made for American Decca in the 1940s and 1950s, when he was arguably at the height of his powers. Here are the first six albums released by the label in that now legendary series, presented for the first time in original LP couplings and with their striking original-sleeve artwork: Andrés Segovia Guitar Solos; An Andrés Segovia Recital; An Andrés Segovia Concert; An Andrés Segovia Program; An Evening with Andrés Segovia; Andrés Segovia Plays…

Many of these 80+ tracks are appearing on Deutsche Grammophon for the first time. The set has been newly remastered, with a minimum of intervention, from original tapes or tape copies of original glass masters. Like the best whisky, Segovia’s art is unfiltered on these CDs. The results reveal a new intimacy and delicacy in these six classic recitals that are wholly captivating.

The package: Mini-LP sleeves (front and back), CD booklet (in the style of the The Martha Argerich Collection) has new liner notes by Segovia expert Graham Wade comprising introduction and annotations on each of the albums, with colour minis.