The selection of music on this recording includes a number of concert favourites. While not my intention when I set out to record this CD, much of the music originates in South America with pieces from Cuba (Brouwer), Paraguay (Barrios), Brazil (Both Villa-Lobos and Dilermando Reis). South America has held a fascination with me for many years and it is a place I have visited often. It has provided us with some of the most exciting and virtuosic repertoire available on the guitar such as the Vals Op.8 No.4 by Barrios and also some of the most melodious and beautiful pieces such as the Reis, Se Ela Perguntar and Brouwers Un Dia de Noviembre.

However I would have been negligent not to include such elegant works as the English Suite by John Duarte with its folk song melodies from Somerset. This piece also has some intriguing Spanish flavours, perhaps a tribute to Andres Segovia, to whom this work was dedicated.

Giuliani is one of the most important composers in the history of the guitar. These variations presented here are based on Handel’s own theme and variations, The Harmonious Blacksmith. Written with such understanding of the instrument, it demonstrates the variety of emotions the guitar is capable of projecting.

The choice of pieces on this CD were obviously mine. I hope that you enjoy listening to them as much as I enjoy playing them.