Sor's Grand Sonata in C major, Op. 22 is regarded as his most important concert work for guitar and part of the foundation of modern classical guitar repertoire. It is believed to be a relatively early work of his, probably written just before 1808, which was when Sor joined the fight against the French army's control of Spain. Evidence of this early date is its dedication to Manuel Godoy, the Spanish prime minister who fell from power when the royal family was exiled during that struggle. The sonata was published in 1825 in Paris, although there is some evidence of an earlier publication. It has the dimensions and something of the sound of a Haydn symphony, whereas his earlier sonatas had been single-movement works. The four movements are Allegro, Adagio, Minuetto, and Rondo allegretto. To a degree, the first movement uses the elements of the sonata-allegro form, modulating from the key of C to E flat and from C to C minor and back before the end of the exposition of the jaunty main theme. The C minor Adagio is a melancholy melody with an uncomplicated yet effective accompaniment. The Minuetto is as elegant and stately as any of Haydn's, while the final Rondo is also reminiscent of the great symphonist's spirito or spiritoso themes. In general, its sonorities are understandably not as rich as a symphony for orchestra, and it doesn't have the emotional intensity of Mozart's later symphonies or any Sturm und Drang, but the intention and pleasing nature of the Classical symphony are certainly there for the listener's enjoyment.

© All Music Guide