Classical Lesson Study Using Fernando Sor's - Grand Solo Opus 14

Difficulty:

We are going to create a song study of this lesson, breaking each part down bit by bit. This is an excellent classical piece that will help you with fingerpicking arrangements.

It will be at a tempo of 59 bpm's (beats per minute). You will be in 6/8 timing, using quite a few different rests.

The opening intro, in D minor, begins with an Andante. At the end of each six note motive is heard two muffled (apagado is used in the Aguado edition) chords punctuating the phrase ending.

Midway point of this 25 measure introduction a repeated note "A" (pivot point) is established to prepare the dominant harmony for the Allegro movement. The Allegro opens with a percussive 1/8th and two 1/16th note measure which prepares a theme in thirds. This becomes ornamented on the repeat and gives way to modulatory material which sets up the second theme. This paired woodwind like theme is indicated, "sustain well the melody".

Following the second theme is transitional material heading for the developmental section. At this point, Sor prepares a bold yet remote modulation into the key of Ab. The modulation is quick and abrupt and moves on to more figural writing developing the themes he established at the beginning of the Allegro movement. The rest of the movement proceeds in a quasi-sonata allegro form and ends with an extended codetta utilizing certain rhythmic figures gained from the developmental section. These figures drive the work to a forceful ending.

What we are going to do is break this piece down into sections. We will cover the theme until it changes time. You will begin in 6/8 timing. Set your metronome for 59 bpm (beats per minute). The next addition will be a brisk 136 bpm, so let's get the basics of the piece first.