Fernando Sor (1778-1839); ESP

Fernando Sor (1778–1839) was a Spanish guitarist and composer born in Barcelona. He received musical training at the monastery of Montserrat and initially composed opera, vocal music, and works for piano as well as music for guitar. Political upheaval following the Napoleonic occupation of Spain led him to leave his homeland, and he subsequently lived and worked in Paris, London, and Moscow before settling permanently in Paris. He became one of Europe’s most admired guitar virtuosos and teachers.

Sor played a central role in establishing the guitar as a serious concert instrument in the early nineteenth century. His works include numerous sonatas, fantasies, variations, études, and duets, among them Introduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart, Op. 9 and the Grand Solo, Op. 14. His influential Méthode pour la guitare set out principles of technique and musicianship. His elegant Classical style and idiomatic writing remain fundamental to the guitar repertory.

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Sor, Fernando [Ferdinando Sors] (b Barcelona, 1778; d Paris, 1839). Sp. guitarist and composer. Virtuoso of guitar, teaching in Paris, London, and elsewhere. Played his ‘concertante’ for guitar and vn., va., and vc. at Phil. Soc. concert in London, 1817. Wrote many pieces for guitar, an opera, ballet Cendrillon, perf. in London 1822, syms., and str. qts.

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