Three Compositions for Two Guitars

Alexandre Lagoya once said: "For one guitar you can write what the guitar will allow you to write. For two guitars you can write what you choose." While there is a measure of overstatement in this, it remains true that the medium of two guitars allows much greater creative freedom to the composer. There are many kinds of guitar-duo works- at one extreme the very simple, at the other the call for two virtuosi; those in this book inhabit the middle of this spectrum. They are not in effect accompanied guitar solos but equal duets in which two players of moderate technical ability converse with one another, sharing the lead. This they do without sacrificing musical interest. Two of the pieces consist of variations on folk tunes - "Shades of Green" uses the Irish tune "The Next Market Day," while "Varieties of Scotch" is based on the well known Scottish tune "Ye Banks and Braes." The remaining duet is an affectionate nod in the ragtime direction of Scott Joplin. The two sets of variations are suitable for concert use, and "Joblinesque" is a natural encore piece.