Traditionally the classic guitar has been either excluded or
inadequately represented in orchestration textbooks, resulting in much
misinformation about its technique, its practicality in various
performance contexts, and its character. The guitar's unique tuning,
broad timbral variety and intimate nature pose a formidable challenge to
non-guitarist composers, for whom an extensive amount of time would be
required to gain even a minimal hands-on acquaintance. For most
composers this is an unrealistic expectation, leading to time-consuming
consultations and extensive drafting or rewriting.
The purpose
of this book is to provide the non-guitarist composer with the
fundamental tools needed to write idiomatically for the guitar. The
first of its kind for the guitar, the reference was written in
consultation with dozens of composers and conceived with three types of
end users in mind:
• Experienced composers with a concern for writing idiomatically for the guitar.
• Guitarists who are commissioning a work from a composer who has never written for the instrument.
• Libraries that wish to add this essential sourcebook to their music reference section.
The very structure of the book reflects the composer's own intuition by addressing such questions as:
• How is the guitar constructed?
• What does successful guitar music look like?
• How is the guitar played?
• How does the guitarist interpret music and express emotion?
• Which musical elements and gestures are most effective?
• How do these elements combine to create an effective pacing of idioms?
By
examining the parameters of successfully written pieces, The Composer's
Desk Reference for the Classic Guitar provides an expedient resource of
ideas and illustrations contributing to the fluency of both first-time
and seasoned guitar composers.