Week 4: Romantic spirits! 
Welcome to the Main Thread for the fourth week of "The Romantic Era" challenge!
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Here are two little studies from the first Venezuelan classical guitar method, entitled "Nuevo Metodo de Guitarra o Lira" written by Venezuelan guitarist, Tomas Anteros, and published in Caracas in 1840. It has recently been edited and republished in 2016 by the Venezuelan guitarist, Bartolome Diaz. It is filled with wonderful little gems. The two that I chose for this post are an Andante and Valse. The Andante is based on a theme by Giovanni Paisiello, an Italian composer of popular operas who lived from 1740 to 1816. As you will see, the classical guitar in Venezuelan at that time drew heavily from European classical traditions. The music and styles which we now associate with Venezuelan classical guitar arise much later, particularly with the 20th Century Venezuelan Maestros: Raul Borges, Antonio Lauro, Emilio Sojo, Alirio Diaz, and Rodrigo Riera.
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Marilyn Blodget Wai Jack Stewart Eric Phillips Derek Thanks all. I am glad you enjoyed these little studies. While I know very little about the Venezuelan guitarist, Tomas Anteros, it was amazing to get my hands on the re-publication of his 1840s guitar method. This may be the earliest appearance (at least, that I am aware) of a classical guitar method in Latin America. Many thanks to the brilliant Venezuelan guitarist, Bartolome Diaz who shared it with me.
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Dale Needles those are really nice and you played them beautifully, always great discoveries what you bring in those challenges!
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Dale Needles I'll be an echo of the mates' opinion, you bring great discoveries to us in these challenges, and play them in a superb way. Thank you!
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Tárrega - Sueño Mazurka
I think this might be the first Tárrega posted in this challenge. This one seems very influenced by Chopin to me.
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Eric Phillips That was great, Eric. It does sound like it was influenced by Chopin. In fact, the first section sounds very similar to Chopin's op. 7.1 Mazurka - though without the quirky modulations Chopin frequently uses.
I wasn't familiar with this piece. It is very nice. I just listened to Mateusz Kowalski's version. He really brings out the Chopin in it.
Thanks for introducing this work.
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Eric Phillips That's beautifully played Eric. Another great job!
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Jack Stewart Thanks, Jack. You're right, the similarity to Chopin op 7.1 is pretty clear. I love the way Kowalski plays this too. I'd give my left hand to play like him!
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Derek Thank you, Derek!
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Eric Phillips Don't do it Eric. It's a trick!
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Eric Phillips Lovely! That’s a first for me. Very well played!
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Jack Stewart Too late. Wait 'til you see my next video in which I play Recuerdos with my right hand only!
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Marilyn Blodget Thank you, Marilyn!
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Tárrega - ¡Adelita!
Obviously, I have played this one before. Over the last couple days, though, I decided to revisit it and refine it a bit, being more attentive to things like voice separation, damping bass notes, string squeak, etc.
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Eric Phillips You really excel at this Eric. This was beautiful. I don't think I have actually played any Tarrega other than his transcriptions. So I get Tarrega vicariously watching your videos.
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Jack Stewart Thanks, Jack. You should trying playing some, you hopeless Romantic!
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Eric Phillips
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Eric Phillips definitely spot on with this work of Tarrega! You definitely reach a new level of playing when you revisit previous works... that sounds secure, controlled and it flows perfectly.
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Blaise Laflamme Thank you, Blaise. This is one of those pieces that keeps on giving.
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Carulli - Andantino Op 241 No 5
I'm not sure if this should count for Romantic era music, as it is more classical in character. However, when I looked up "When is the Romantic period in music?" Google said between 1820 and 1900. Carulli published this (as part of his method) in 1825. So ... I'm going to include it!
This is a VERY simple piece, but SO beautiful. Sometimes I like to start with this when playing for people, as it is so appealing and simple. It boosts my confidence, and immediately gets me into a mindset of simply trying to make beautiful music, not trying to impress anyone with my virtuosity.
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Eric Phillips Very Beautiful!
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Dale Needles Thank you, Dale.
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Eric Phillips Sounds great Eric! This piece also serves as a good warmup up for the fingers before you play other pieces.
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Barney Exactly!
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Eric Phillips Beautiful! I loved playing this piece when I first learned classical guitar, but I played a little bit faster. Didn't know that this piece sounds even better when playing in a slower tempo, please allow me to copy your tempo next time when I play this piece.
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Wai I'm not sure you need my permission for that. Maybe you can let us all hear you play it, with a video?
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End of the Year Challenge: Finish Strong!
