Matteo Carcassi (1792 - 1853) was a prolific italian composer and virtuoso guitarist, contemporaneous with Fernando Sor and Mauro Giuliani. Carcassi lived mainly in Paris and dedicated his life as a concertist and teacher. His music, inspired in the Italian and French opera by Rossini and Auber respectively, was easy-listening, gracious and with straight-forward harmonies became very popular among amateur guitarists. Furthermore, Carcassi made a large contribution with his three-part Méthode Complète pour la Guitare Op. 59, by presenting a clear, concise and reasoned knowledge of the idiom of the instrument, therefore I consider Matteo's music of huge importance to learn the style and language of the music of this period.
Les Récréations des Commençans Op. 21 is a compilation of 24 easy pieces for classical guitar suitable for beginner and intermediate students (and enthusiasts of the Classical Music, as well) that explores the idiomatic features of the guitar. Learning these small pieces allows the guitarist to cover the instrument's resources such as chords, arpeggios, scales, polyphony, slurs, articulation, phrasing and, most importantly, the style.
Below you can watch the complete set and get to know the beautiful music of Matteo Carcassi.
Nr. 1 - 12
Nr. 13 - 24
There is also a free guitar lesson available on the Pastorale nr. 16 you can watch below.
It addresses the following topics:
- Musical context and character of the piece
- Sing, breathe, phrase with your guitar
- Ideas for interpretation
