Okay, so I am weird. Hadn't figured that out yet, eh? Well, almost forty years ago (ugh) I became aware of a Dutch guitarist named Jan Akkermann, the guitarist in the band Focus. He played the abomination (what Albert Blain called the electric guitar) but he also played the lute and classical guitar. All Focus albums include at least one piece either on classical guitar -- le Clochard on 'Moving Waves' which is available as sheet music on my site -- and this piece, Elspeth of Nottigham found on Focus III (I believe.) Anyway, I always thought this was a genuine renaissance lute piece he revamped, but I am not so sure he didn't write it himself. Yes, he is that good....
Recently a fellow who had seen my youtube video of my live performance of 'Le Clochard' on the Schenectady Today TV show a few years back asked if I'd ever played Elspeth and/or if I had the tab. Well, I don't believe in tab--too ambiguous in most instances for good performance--but as this fellow prefers tablature to standard notation AND my engraving software will double a piece into tab, I decided to work it through for him. Although I have used snippets of Elspeth as a prelude to Le Clochard, I was appalled at how I had recomposed (or decomposed!) the piece over 36 years!
Here it is. I will finger the standard notation and repost, but bewteen the standard and the tab, I think you'll figure it out! Blow it up in your browser or download!
The Semi-regularly Appearing Technique Session And Dexterity and Stamina Exercises
UPDATED March 3, 2011
Mr. Pellegrin accepts students at his private studio in Scotia as well as Union College in Schenectady. Email Mr. Pellegrin at recitalguitarist@gmail.com for complete information
Email : recitalguitarist@gmail.com
Phone : 518-346-5827
A CD collection of classical guitar favorites plus five selections from 'Suite for Guitar' by Harry George Pellegrin.
"I picked the selections for this CD from the large number of pieces that I have continued to enjoy over the many years that make up a lifetime, including both student pieces as well as recital-fare. The intent of this album is not to try to dazzle, but to evoke memories."
SAMPLES:
Asturias/Leyenda Isaac Albéniz
Etude Opus 6 Number 8 Fernando Sor
Etude Opus 35 Number 13 Fernando Sor
Etude Opus 35 Number 22 Fernando Sor
Etude Opus 35 Number 17 Fernando Sor
Lágrima Francisco Tárrega
Adelita Francisco Tárrega
Mazurka in C Francisco Tárrega
Mazurka in G Francisco Tárrega
Introduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart Fernando Sor
Etude Opus 60 Number 3 Matteo Carcassi
Etude Opus 60 Number 7 Matteo Carcassi
Etude Opus 60 Number 16 Matteo Carcassi
Vals Brevis One (Waltz for Agustin) For Georgio Testani Harry George Pellegrin
Vals Brevis Two (Dark Horse Waltz) Harry George Pellegrin
Vals Brevis Three (The Last Kiss) For Veronica M. Pellegrin Harry George Pellegrin
Vals Brevis Four (Summer Afternoon, Bronx, 1962, For Coco) Harry George Pellegrin
Snowfall 12.21.2008 Harry George Pellegrin
The Store A neat collection of guitar-related items
Enjoy these exercises and come back next week for more! If you've enjoyed these exercises and sessions, please consider buying a copy of my book or my new album!
The Classic Guitar Method: Now in one volume, much of what the novice classical guitarist will need to know to lead him or her to the recital stage. From proper instrument care and maintenance to the necessary technical skills, musical mind-set, and the standard repertoire—all exposed and explored with enough detail and insight that the student will wish to keep this book handy years to come as a ready reference source.
With the aid of a good teacher, the student will rapidly progress through The Classic Guitar Method attaining technical proficiency and musical eloquence.
This method stems from the need to incorporate a number of schools into a single cohesive curriculum. Years of honing a logical approach to the guitar and the creation of music culminate in this volume. As a self-proclaimed Disciple of Valdés-Blain , much of that famed teacher's focus can be found in Mr. Pellegrin's method.
ISBN: 978-1-4116-9442-2
Published by PAB Entertainment Group, P.O. Box 2369 Scotia, New York 12302
Please go to www.lulu.com to order.
NEW!!!