Heroic guitars

Like the piano, the early nineteenth-century guitar did not remain confined to its natural role as an accompanying instrument. Its repertoire, in solo or duet form, was constantly enriched by transcriptions of the most popular works of the day, drawn from both the world of opera and concert or chamber music. Under the impetus of a few virtuosos, such as Fernando Sor and Antoine de Lhoyer, the repertoire was also extended to include pieces specifically composed for the guitar. In all cases, the instrument’s limited sound capacities prevented it from gaining access to the great musical venues, and the pieces written for it were above all suited to the demands of the salon.