Introduction to Prelude in A minor Guitar Course

Matteo Carcassi was a virtuoso Italian guitarist and a prolific composer during the early Romantic period. During his lifetime he made considerable contributions to the development of modern classical guitar technical fundamentals. In a somewhat sad twist of fate his achievements were often overshadowed by those of Ferdinando Carulli.

“Prelude in A minor” by Matteo Carcassi is a captivating piece that beautifully showcases the technical and expressive potential of the classical guitar. Carcassi, a prominent 19th-century Italian guitarist and composer, composed this piece to challenge and refine a guitarist’s skill set. The prelude is set in the key of A minor and is typically performed at a moderate tempo, around 80-100 BPM, allowing for clear articulation of its intricate passages. The piece remains in A minor throughout, with no key changes or modulations, providing a consistent tonal center that underscores its melancholic and introspective character.

This Prelude represents just one of his many technical studies written for the guitar. I believe that this study focuses on several techniques:

• Keeping the right-hand steady

• Practicing full & sequential planting

• Developing apoyando (rest stroke) with the thumb

• Crescendo and diminuendo

• Changing timbre from sul tasto through naturale and on to ponticello

Musical Style

Matteo Carcassi’s musical style is characterized by its blend of technical rigor and melodic elegance. His compositions often feature clear, structured forms with an emphasis on right-hand arpeggios, scales, and left-hand finger independence. Carcassi’s works are celebrated for their ability to address various technical challenges while remaining musically engaging. His pieces are known for their lyrical charm and often incorporate elements of folk and classical traditions. Carcassi’s etudes and studies are particularly revered for their pedagogical value, providing essential repertoire for classical guitarists to develop their technique and musicality.

Notable Pieces

Five notable pieces by Matteo Carcassi:

• Etude No. 1, Op. 60

• Etude No. 3, Op. 60

• Etude No. 7, Op. 60

• Caprice No. 24

• Le Papillon, Op. 50

Several of Carcassi’s other pieces are available here on NBN Guitar either as individual courses or as part of the Beginner Classical Guitar Collection.

Let your fingers fly!

Josh

Course Instructor

Joshua Rogers Author

A teacher and lover of all things guitar!