Matteo Carcassi: Selections from Op. 59 Méthode

In his 1836 Méthode complète pour la Guitare, op. 59, Matteo Carcassi included basic introductions to keys that are commonly used in guitar music. In these, he gave a simple scale, primary chords, a more elaborate scale exercise, and a brief prelude using mostly primary chords. After this, he then offered a few studies. I’ve elected to record and collect here the studies for major keys: C, G, D, A, E; and minor keys: A, E, and D.

Carcassi clearly wanted to familiarize students with the elements of each key. The pieces here are mainly built on major, minor, and dominant 7th chords—functionally, these are mostly primary chords of the key, with a few secondary dominants tossed in. (If you don’t understand these terms, now is a good time to learn them.) There are also modulations typical for music of this time.

There are no metronome markings in Carcassi’s Méthode. (In his day, the metronome was still a fairly recent invention.) I’ve tried to find tempos to suit each piece, yet stay within the grasp of students. Experienced players may disagree with some of my choices. But this in itself is a good thing. Musicians often squabble over the correct tempo of a piece. So this is as good a place as any to begin the squabble.

In some of these studies, you’ll hear me do things that aren’t in the original sheet music. Some of my changes are small, some are substantial. Improvisation was common during the early 19th century. My changes will give you an idea of what might be done. Feel free to come up with your own ideas.
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performed by: Tom Poore
guitar: 2001 Paul Fischer Taut Model
microphones: sE Electronics sE8 (spaced pair)
interface: Apogee Duet 3
reverb: LiquidSonics Reverberate Core

0) Opening Credits—00:00
1) Andantino—00:08
2) Walzer—01:06
3) Allegretto—02:29
4) Andantino mosso—03:45
5) Walzer—04:50
6) Hopser, Sauteuse—06:59
7) Walzer—08:48
8) Allegretto—10:40
9) Walzer—12:22
10) Marsch—14:20
11) Allegretto—16:04
12) Andantino—17:20
13) Rondo Allegretto—19:31
14) Walzer—22:24
15) Andante—25:22
16) Andantino mosso—26:22
17) Allegretto—28:35
18) Andante—31:33
19) Walzer—32:36