Fernando Sor was a classical guitarist and composer, was born in Spain and he lived from 1778 to 1839. He was a contemporary of Beethoven and is often called the “Beethoven of the guitar.” He wrote many works for the guitar, including his famous Sor method for the guitar and the 20 studies for classical guitar. Both works are still in use today.

His life

Sor grew up in turbulent times is Spain. It was during the time that Napoleon and the French were trying to take over Spain and Sor time spent in military service. For some time the French successfully occupied Spain, but eventually they were ousted. After the war was over and France was successfully ejected from Spain Sor in Paris (around the age of 35) and he never returned to his homeland. He spent time living in Russia and in London, but he finally returned to Paris, where he was living the rest of his years. It was during this period reached in Paris that he had a considerable amount of fame as a composer, teacher and an artist, and he spent many years touring the great cities of Europe.

As an artist

In Spain during his younger years and early adulthood, he reached an amount of fame, began with a performance of his opera “Telemachus on the Calypso’s Isle” and lead to a short lived sponsorship by the Duchess of Alba. While living in Europe he reached the height of his fame as a composer and performer and his concerts throughout Europe, also in Paris, Russia, and London.

As a composer

As a composer of the music he had a remarkable variety of pieces made between educational in nature songs, duets, vocal music for voice and guitar, and even an opera. His style of music ranges from classical to very sheer Spanish in tone.
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