Cristiano Porqueddu - Easy Studies for Guitar, Vol. 3 (2020)

This double CD is the third and last volume of Easy Studies for Guitar. The aim of the series has been to collect original works for the guitar by 20th- and 21st-century composers that fulfil didactic functions as well as being entertaining to play and listen to. Many of the studies here are receiving their first recordings, and the pieces by Biberian, Cavallone and Franco are so far unpublished.

Music by the Belgian organist and composer Jean Absil (1893–1974) shows the influence of Wagner in the same way as his better-known compatriot Franck, and he absorbed the music of Milhaud and Schoenberg during his time in Paris. However, the Pièces Caractéristiques of 1964 capture a piece of sunshine no less than the folk- inspired Sei Canzoni Ebraiche by Cavallone or the Sette Aphorismi of Franco, even while certain movements exploit the more mysterious, nocturnal character of the guitar. The idea for Brèves de Pupitre sprang from Olivier Chassain’s work as a teacher, arising from his students’ basic technical needs or flaws – as well as his own.

Cristiano Porqueddu is a distinguished editor and composer as well as performer, and he has selected an especially attractive set of Ten Studies for Guitar from among the many unpublished works by Gilbert Biberian, a British composer/guitarist born in 1944. Perhaps the set’s most intrigiong rarity comes from the gifted Viennese composer Ferdinand Rebay, active in the early decades of the last century, and featured on a couple of previous Brilliant Classics albums; though himself a pianist rather a guitarist, he was encouraged to turn to the guitar by a fellow-professor and also by his guitar-playing niece; he eventually composed around 600 pieces for the instrument, including these Ten Little Songs without Words.

This is the 3rd volume of “Easy Studies for Guitar”, a successful concept compiled by master guitarist Cristiano Porqueddu.
This third volume of “Easy Studies for Guitar” continues to focus on lesser-known original compositions for the guitar of the 20th and 21st century that lend themselves to teaching purposes. The aim is to develop the awareness of musical styles and structures beyond the restrictions of Classical Music, in terms of harmony, rhythm and a wide range of timbres.
Included in this 2-CD set are works by Oscar Bellomo, Alfredo Franco, Gilbert Biberian, Oliver Chassain, Franco Cavellone, Ulf Ahnslund, Franco Margola, Iván Patachich, Jean Absil, Ferdinand Rebay, Anton Stingl.
Cristiano Porqueddu is one of today’s foremost guitarists. Critics call him “A reference point for a new generation of musicians”. His recent Carnegie Hall recital was a triumph: “he has the vision and fortitude to forge a new and substantial path by discovering, recording and performing great works that have been largely ignored” (Brooklyn Daily Eagle). His Brilliant classics discography is substantial and impressive and includes works by Barrios, Sor, Gilardino, and many others.