John Dowland (1563- 1626)

One of the most famous lutenist and voice composer of his time, he traveled
around many cities so he could settle down as court musician for King James in 1612. He
is known for his sad, nostalgic songs which were likely inspired by consort songs and
dance music and this was thought to be a representation of himself.
Farewell- This piece is considered one Dowlands best works for its great compositional
writing in its time. The piece is thought to be sometime in his life where he had a major
disappointment; he showed this by the heavy use of dissonance, chromatic lines, unusual
harmonies, and a slow tempo.
Domencico Scarlatti (1685- 1757)
A young Italian musician who worked at the royal chapel at the age of 16, he is
known for being a harpsichordist/composer and especially for composing over 500
sonatas with a taste of Spanish rhythm and his Italian heritage.
K380- One his most famous works written for harpsichord. Its distinguishable melodies,
Spanish influence elegancy and rhythms made this one of his more notable works.
K53- One of his earlier works, it has a very upbeat pace that feels dance like. There is
also a happy sounding tune with minor sections with a more sinister sound.

Fernando Sor (1778- 1839)

A Spanish composer is that is more known for his guitar compositions and has
been a wide contributor to the classical guitar in many ways. Also, hes a composer of
other music such as operas, orchestral works, and chamber music; a nickname that had
been given was the Beethoven of Guitar

Grand Solo One of Sors few sonatas and arguably the most famous one, this sonatas
form strange for its time because its a 1 movement piece vs the multi movement
tradition. This piece has dark introduction and transitions to a fast happy sounding theme.
It then continues with dramatic key changes, and ends with big tonic chord.

Giulio Regondi (1822- 1872)

Regondi was a child prodigy in his time and was a concert virtuoso/composer by
the age of 9; he even had Fernando Sor write a piece for him at years old. Regondi was
raised by his father who was also a composer, performer and baritone, and over time he
become a temporary composer, but was a performer at heart. His style of music is very
prominent for the 19th century sounding music.
Introduction et caprice, Op.23- One of Regondis solo works he left for guitar, it starts
with a melodic introduction and then goes to a playful caprice with very virtuosic
passages like: scales ,octaves, and slides that have a big range over the instrument which
are also idiomatic.
Angelo Gilardino (1941- present)
An important modern classical guitar composer that has had a very successful life
that led him to many achievements and awards. He has contributed many works for guitar
including solo pieces, chamber pieces, concertos and more.
Ocram- This piece is part of his first set of pieces that Gilardino ever wrote. Gilardino
was first a performer and then a composer, which led him to write this piece in his early
40s. This piece is originally played in a set of 3 pieces; this is the 2nd of that set. Ocram
has a modern ferocious sound, the aggressiveness, distinct rhythms, sense of direction,
and mysterious passages make the piece very distinctive.