DuaneEddysMum
Anyone looking to the classical guitar should I still think first turn to the composers who were also players...Terrega,Sor,etc etc.Why these people are still considerd as 'minor'is beyond me and sneaks of elitism.

I think they do, don't they? Tarrega and Sor are not considered minor, their work is central to classical guitar. Most of their pieces could be quite difficult for a beginner though.

Because Sor composed a lot of what is considered "minor" pieces. Classical guitar isn't exactly considered an a-list classical instrument. The only major works Sor ever composed were a couple of Operas, 7 ballets, 3 Symphonies, a Violin concerto, and a couple of string quartets. The rest were little folk songs or for classical guitar. When you look at Bach with over 1000 compositions or Mozart with 600 or so, Sor's 100 is minor. Especially what he composed for.

And being considered a minor composer doesn't make you any less of a great composer.

DuaneEddysMum
not arguing with that Jake....but you did hit the nail right on the head with... the guitar is not considerd an 'A List' instrument...

Not that it matters a jot but by whom and under what justification?(the establishment perhaps) that is exactley my point.

Which is a real shame because well played classical guitar is a thing of great beauty not to mention the incredible mental effort required to arrange mainstream classical pieces to be playable on the guitar.

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

Not yet. Guitar remains, after decades, an escape and artistic expression.

'Have a classical and 'am fingerpicking out a few things, even a lite-surf bit here and there.

In this opinion, (bleep)-near any type of music can be played on any type of guitar. Surf on classical, lounge on Strat, Bach on Mosrite, depending on the day and mood.

It's the most freaking perfect instrument in the entire big-bang universe.

Synchro, that was beautiful, especially about intending to continue to play until unable to hold a guitar.

Thank you!

JakeDobner
Because Sor composed a lot of what is considered "minor" pieces. Classical guitar isn't exactly considered an a-list classical instrument. The only major works Sor ever composed were a couple of Operas, 7 ballets, 3 Symphonies, a Violin concerto, and a couple of string quartets. The rest were little folk songs or for classical guitar. When you look at Bach with over 1000 compositions or Mozart with 600 or so, Sor's 100 is minor. Especially what he composed for.

And being considered a minor composer doesn't make you any less of a great composer.

Maybe it isn't A-list(?) but it is called "the little orchestra".
I have to say I am SO tired of Bach and Mozart, you really only need to hear a couple of their pieces and you've heard it all. Not saying it is isn't brilliant, I'm just bored to tears with it....so precise, predictable and full of conventions. Didn't stray too far from the formula although Mozart's 41st has some life to it. I'd rather listen to sackbuts and crumhorns. Now Ludwig Van, that is another story. You don't hear many of his pieces performed on the guitar. Go ahead....make my day.

I have the utmost disdain for this thread.

I do love Bach, but that isn't why I have the disdain for this thread. I just hate arguing over so many great composers. Bach composed so many great works in different styles that are nothing alike. And I'm sure Mozart has, but I don't really listen to Mozart. But to compare a Sor guitar piece with a concerto or chorale is just missing the point behind the quantity and quality of great music out there.

There is also so many great composers that never get any mentions in threads like this. There are just too many of them, and it is hard for a lot of people to track down large portions of their works.

Stormtiger

JakeDobner
I do love Bach, but that isn't why I have the disdain for this thread. I just hate arguing over so many great composers. Bach composed so many great works in different styles that are nothing alike. And I'm sure Mozart has, but I don't really listen to Mozart. But to compare a Sor guitar piece with a concerto or chorale is just missing the point behind the quantity and quality of great music out there.

There is also so many great composers that never get any mentions in threads like this. There are just too many of them, and it is hard for a lot of people to track down large portions of their works.

You are so right. Sor is only mentioned here because the thread is about classical guitar, and you can't get any better than Sor and Tarrega for guitar in my book. Where are those other guys? The local classical station in L.A. plays mostly Bach, Mozart and Haydn. Luckily they also play a fair amount of Beethoven or I might start drinking tea with an extended pinky.

All I'll say is that classical studies will give you some wonderful tools for the left hand.

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

Stormtiger
You are so right. Sor is only mentioned here because the thread is about classical guitar, and you can't get any better than Sor and Tarrega for guitar in my book. Where are those other guys? The local classical station in L.A. plays mostly Bach, Mozart and Haydn. Luckily they also play a fair amount of Beethoven or I might start drinking tea with an extended pinky.

I do love me some Beethoven. I think his 9th is probably one of the greatest things ever created by any human being. The 4th movement of that pieces is indescribable, from a emotional point of view. I was lucky enough to get to see it performed a couple years back. His Grosse Fugue really does it for me as well. I don't hear many great recordings of that one though. Lots are too pretty.