The beauty and romance of the classical guitar is brought home in this fascinating lesson by one of the worlds top players. Frederic Hand applies the essential techniques that he demonstrated on his first Homespun video to gorgeous music that will be accessible to all guitarists...with practice.
The seven works taught on this video are among the best-known student pieces, and will be within the reach of most guitarists who are familiar with the fingerboard and basic classical technique. "Easy is a relative term," Fred says. "Playing the classical guitar with beauty and command is a life-long process."
Fred takes each piece apart, pointing out the possible trouble spots and sharing important tips on technique and interpretation. He demonstrates ornamentation, slurs, rhythmic and melodic subtleties, timbral shadings, the importance of correct plucking strokes and other invaluable pointers.
Youll start by learning three lute pieces from the Italian Renaissance, each with a different tempo and feeling: the lyrically romantic Vaghe Belleze, the spritely dance Bianco Fiore and the more stately and dynamic Danza. Johann Sebastian Bachs famous Sarabande is an intriguingly lovely baroque piece, and Fernando Sors Study in B Minor is an excellent exercise for your right hand. The sublime Adelita by Francisco Tarrega, with its romantic rubato style and lush harmonies, gives players the opportunity to utilize expressive techniques such as portamento and vibrato, and to become familiar with the guitars upper register.
Finally, youll learn Fred Hands distinguished arrangement of the traditional Shaker hymn Simple Gifts. This homage to Aaron Copeland starts with the basic tune in C, but quickly moves into D, taking on a richly contemporary feeling.
