The renowned Edinburgh-based guitarist will play dazzling pieces by three C19th virtuosi, Mauro Giuliani, Antoine de Lhoyer, and Fernando Sor, on a beautifully restored guitar from the period. All three composers, from Italy, France and Spain respectively, were fascinated by Scottish folk melodies: Giuliani’s beautiful meditation on The Bluebells of Scotland will be followed by de Lhoyer’s ingenious variations on the ballad Robin Adair. Sor’s rightly named Grand Sonata, though, is pure Spain: this revolutionary work has been described by Richard Long as “a sort of classical symphony for solo guitar”. After the interval, a Scottish composer returns the compliment, as Richard switches to a modern instrument for Musgrave’s evocative Postcards from Spain, and for the infectious courtly dances of Bach’s Lute Suite, including its including its instantly recognisable Bourrée.
Mauro Giuliani: The Bluebells of Scotland Op. 6 no.5
Antoine de Lhoyer:Introduction and variation on a Scottish Air Op.43
Fernando Sor: Grand Sonata Op. 22
Thea Musgrave: Postcards from Spain
J.S. Bach: Lute Suite BWV 996
