Fully-voiced Harmony: 19th century musical language, realized for the guitar

This lecture is intended to familiarize, both the amateur and learned guitarist, with the typical manner in which conventional 19 th century harmony was voiced and figurated. Special attention will be paid to how composers solved voice-leading problems and created smooth lines despite the delicate nature of balancing harmony, bassline, and melody.

The structure of the lecture will be split into three stages. First, in order to lay the groundwork, several musical conventions/practices will be identified, i.e. cadential patterns. The second stage will identify problems posed by each convention that threatens to produce improper or clunky writing, and then, connect these problems to the manner in which the notes on the guitar are physically layed out and played. Third, examples from the repertoire will be selected to showcase how each of the problems are creatively solved in different ways.

The repertoire under discussion will be limited to the Viennese-style of Sor, Giuliani, and Aguado; and, the early romantic style of Regondi and Mertz. Etudes and studies will be included in order to focus on specific elements, such as figuration. Later, examples from concert works will be drawn to see how aspects discussed within the pedagogical material are fleshed out in the more substantial works.

Join us after the lecture for a members social. Come play and discuss guitar with fellow players and lovers of guitar and music. Open to all ages and levels of players.