Mauro Giuseppe Sergio Pantaleo Giuliani (1781–1829)
was an Italian guitarist, cellist and composer, and is
considered by many to be one of the leading guitar
virtuosi of the early 19th century.
This sonata was first written as work for flute and
guitar in 1817. In keeping with the business practices
of music of the day, Giuliani also had published a
violin version. The music is very tuneful, using the
kind of operatic Italian melody which Rossini was
making popular. The entire sonata...(+)
Mauro Giuseppe Sergio Pantaleo Giuliani (1781–1829)
was an Italian guitarist, cellist and composer, and is
considered by many to be one of the leading guitar
virtuosi of the early 19th century.
This sonata was first written as work for flute and
guitar in 1817. In keeping with the business practices
of music of the day, Giuliani also had published a
violin version. The music is very tuneful, using the
kind of operatic Italian melody which Rossini was
making popular. The entire sonata is nearly 20 minutes
long and is a very pleasing, though hardly deep, work.
Although the guitar is more closely associated with
Spain than with any other country, it was Italy which
brought it into the concert hall. Paganini, the famous
violin virtuoso, was an avid and very able guitarist
who frequently wrote for the instrument. Mauro Giuliani
was the most celebrated concert guitarist of the time.
He became famous during the late days of the Classical
era, and even Beethoven wrote guitar music for him. His
rise to fame paralleled that of Rossini. His
instrumental style occupies similar ground in the
continuum between the Classical and the Romantic
eras.
Although this piece was written for Guitar and Flute
(or Violin), I created this arrangement for Flute and
Concert (Pedal) Harp.
SHEET MUSIC