Andante Grazioso (Carcassi) Op.59, No.1

Andante Grazioso
op. 59, no. 1

Composer: Matteo Carcassi (1792 - 1853)


Matteo Carcassi (Florence, Italy, 1792 - Paris, France, 1853) was a famous guitarist and composer. Carcassi started playing music on the piano, but learnt guitar when still a child. He obtained a virtuoso reputation as a concert guitarist very quickly.

Carcassi wrote a method for guitar (Op. 59), first published with Schott in Mainz, in 1836. It is still valuable, relevant and interesting. His most famous works are collected in his 25 Études, Op. 60. In these, he managed to blend technical skills and brilliant Romantic music. This is the reason his music is still played by so many classical guitarists today.

This piece, Andante Grazioso, is the first study of Op. 59.

 

Matteo Carcassi was indeed a significant figure in the world of classical guitar. Born in Florence, Italy, in 1792, he demonstrated remarkable talent as a guitarist and composer from a young age. Despite starting out on the piano, Carcassi quickly mastered the guitar and earned a reputation as a virtuoso concert guitarist.