Guitar Your Way with Gerry Saulter: Recent Episodes
Serenade Duo
The Guitar Your Way program hosted by Alhambra Artist, Gerry Saulter is an interactive learning community of like minded guitarists from around the world. Discussions, conversations and activities are designed to help and inspire your classical guitar journey.
I like to think that a form such as the Courante parallels a monologue scene from a Shakespeare play - you need a clear understanding of the melody, an internal pulse of the rhythm and tempo, and an overall relaxed performance style to help bring it to life.
My PDF transcription of the full Suite, including fingerings and TAB is available for purchase:
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/suite-no-1-in-e-minor-bwv-996-digital-sheet-music/22226413
https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/1002170/Product.aspx
www.serenadeduo.com
Here is a presentation of the Allemande from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Lute Suite No. 1 in Em, BWV 996.
In this episode, I discuss what I refer to as implied harmony, combined with a linear approach to playing and learning works such as this.
My compete detailed PDF arrangement of this Suite, including fingerings and TAB is available for purchase via sheetmusicplus.com and/or sheetmusicdirect.com.
Price - $12.99 USD
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/suite-no-1-in-e-minor-bwv-996-digital-sheet-music/22226413
https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/1002170/Product.aspx
www.serenadeduo.com
Here is a presentation of the first two movements from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Lute Suite No. 1 in Em, BWV 996. Over the next several episodes we will take a deep dive into this magnificent and challenging work.
In this episode, I discuss and play the Passaggio, set in 4/4 meter with a French overture rhythmic motif and improvisational quality. This then gives way to the Presto, set in 3/8 meter. I like to think of the Presto as “a baby fugue.”
My compete detailed PDF arrangement of this Suite, including fingerings and TAB is available for purchase via sheetmusicplus.com and/or sheetmusicdirect.com.
Price - $12.99 USD
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/suite-no-1-in-e-minor-bwv-996-digital-sheet-music/22226413
https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/1002170/Product.aspx
www.serenadeduo.com
For our last episode of the year, we explore the Catalan Christmas Carol, El Noi de la Mare.
There is a folklore story that says the lone selection on Andres Segovia’s music stand before he passed away was Miguel Llobet’s arrangement of this charming song.
My arrangement with fingering and TAB is available for free in my Guitar Your Way Google classroom.
I wish you peace for this holiday season, and a happy and healthy 2023.
www.serenadeduo.com
Today marks the 170th birthday of Francisco Tárrega, the great Spanish Maestro of the classical guitar.
Widely regarded as the father of the modern concert guitar, Tárrega’s artistry established him as a major figure during the high Romantic period of music. This month, I outline who he was, the impact of his compositions, and the change in guitar construction that he embraced, which still has a major impact on the guitar world to this day.
www.serenadeduo.com
This Guitar Your Way episode, is a way for me to express my gratitude to Andrew York for sharing his talent, wit, and wisdom with our world. I hope my spoken essay this month motivates you to explore the music of Andrew York, a true American Icon of the Guitar.
www.serenadeduo.com
Miguel Llobet (1878-1938) was a renowned guitar virtuoso of the early 20th century. His was one of the first guitarists to tour and record throughout Europe and the Americas. His catalog of arrangements include a vast variety of works - from Catalan Folk songs to adaptations of Isaac Albéniz piano suites. Enjoy this discussion about one of the great masters of guitar.
www.serenadeduo.com
Please enjoy this conversation with Baroque specialist, TJ Dalton.
TJ began lessons with me in 2009. Since then he has gone on to earn degrees in music from SUNY Stony Brook, specializing in early music.
For this in-studio conversation, TJ and I played a bit, reflected on his beginnings, and talked about his Baroque music ensemble "La Grande Bande."
La Grande Bande: lagrandebande.org
Facebook: facebook.com/lagrandbande
www.sereandeduo.com
Mauro Giuliani (1781-1829) is celebrated as the First Italian Grand Master of the guitar.
Modern guitarists of Italian heritage include a long list of names - Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Joe Pass, Al DiMeola, and many others.
It is my feeling that the blood line which connects them all begins with the Classical Italian Virtuoso - Mauro Giuliani.
Tune in to this month’s GYW episode to learn more about this fascinating early 19th century master of the guitar.
www.serenadeduo.com
Our episode this month is a conversation with Geoff Ferdón, President of XGuitars.com. Established in 2022, with just a few Alhambra Guitars, XGuitars has grown to be the premiere online retailer of Alhambra Guitars in the USA.
www.serenadeduo.com
The History and Mystery of Bach's Boureé in E minor
Johann Sebastian Bach's Boureé in Em is the fifth movement from his Suite No. 1 “For Lute”, BWV 996. It is one of the most recognizable and influential guitar works of all time, but did Bach himself actually write it on the the lute?
www.serenadeduo.com