Mel Bay

10 Contemporary Classical Guitar Solos

Composer: Larry Hammett
Format: Book with Audio Online
Instrumentation: Classical Guitar
Level: Intermediate-Advanced

In the author's words, this collection of 10 modern classical guitar pieces was composed to emulate the "elusive, graceful, fragile, subtle, elegant, stealthy qualities" of cats. Inspired by a rich tapestry of styles including classical, flamenco, jazz, pop, avant-garde, Balkan, and more generally--world music, this book is perfect for anyone wishing to expand their guitar repertoire and technique. As cat fanciers abound, this collection is sure to please audiences and performers alike.

The pieces consist mainly of notated improvisations, gently shaped to give them a sense of structure and completion. Five of the pieces are in drop-D or another scordatura tuning. Some have a simple folk-like form and harmony while others are more abstract. Written in standard notation only for the intermediate to advanced guitarist, performance notes and online audio recordings are provided for each cat-like composition.

Song List:

• Gatos Callejeros (Opus 66)
• El Gato
• Blue Manx
• Las Gatitas
• Vals de la Gatita
• El Tigre
• Catnip
• Purrrrrrr
• La Gata
• El Fin de Novena Vida