Ragtime Solos And Duets 20 S. Joplin Favorites Arr. Silverman

Alexandre Lagoya once said: 'For one Guitar you can write what the Guitar will allow you to write. For two Guitars you can write what you choose.' While there is a measure of overstatement in this it remains true that themedium of two Guitars allows much greater creative freedom to the composer.There are many kinds of Guitar-duo works- at one extreme the very simple at the other the call for two virtuosi; those in this book inhabit themiddle of this spectrum. They are not in effect accompanied Guitar solos but equal duets in which two players of moderate technical ability converse with one another sharing the lead. This they do without sacrificing musicalinterest.Two of the pieces consist of variations on folk tunes - Shades of Green uses the Irish tune The Next Market Day while Varieties of Scotch is based on the well known Scottish tune YeBanks and Braes. The remaining duet is an affectionate nod in the ragtime direction of Scott Joplin. The two sets of variations are suitable for concert use and Joblinesque is a natural encore piece.