This CD explores the guitar sonata as both a continuation of centuries of European musical tradition and a phenomenon that truly came into its own only in the modern era. Historically, the sonata evolved from sixteenth-century Italian instrumental works into a central genre of Western art music, reaching its height in the Classical and Romantic periods with composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and later Liszt. Yet during this long and prestigious history, the guitar remained largely absent from the sonata tradition, with only a handful of nineteenth-century examples by figures such as Fernando Sor and Mauro Giuliani.

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It was only in the last hundred years that the guitar sonata began to flourish. This development coincided with major advances in guitar technique, the emergence of dedicated composers, and the growth of an informed audience. A decisive role was played by Andrés Segovia, whose influence helped establish the modern guitar sonata through works inspired by neo-classical ideals. Since then, many leading composers have contributed significant sonatas, placing the guitar firmly within large-scale musical forms.

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The three sonatas recorded here exemplify the maturity and diversity of the modern guitar sonata. Antonio José’s Sonata (1933), suppressed for decades, combines traditional four-movement structure with a powerful modernist language and has become a cornerstone of the repertoire. Leo Brouwer’s Sonata (1990), written for Julian Bream, reflects the composer’s deep knowledge of the instrument, blending historical references, stylistic eclecticism, and dazzling virtuosity. Roberto Sierra’s Sonata (2007–2010), winner of the 2021 Latin Grammy, fuses classical sonata principles with strong Latin American elements and a rich, contemporary tonal language.

Together, these works demonstrate that the guitar sonata is both heir to an ancient tradition and a vibrant, living form—demanding exceptional virtuosity and offering profound musical rewards to performers and listeners alike.

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John Griffiths