Type: BK/CD

Finally out and worth the wait.

softcover

Gaspar Sanz was one of the most celebrated guitarists and composers of his time. In 1674 he published a method for the baroque guitar. This method has been lauded by guitar aficinados and serves as a significant historic work. Written in Old Spanish with the tablature system of its day, this method has only been available to the few who would meticulously research and decipher its hidden meanings. For the first time ever, the complete manuscript of Sanz' legacy has been translated into English and the tablature arrangements now include standard music notation. Jerry Willard has also included arrangements for the modern guitar and performs selections from this body of work on both the baroque and modern guitar which can be found on the accompanying CDs.

Jerry Willard was born in Cleveland, Ohio and began studying the guitar with his father Jeff Willard who was a guitarist. The guitar pedagogue Sophocles Papas recognized his talent and invited Mr. Willard to study with him in Washington, D.C. Subsequently he expanded his knowledge of musical interpretation when he worked with violinist Misha Mishakoff and cellist Warren Downs. Mr. Willard also studied with guitarists Richard Lurie and Alirio Diaz, both of whom influenced his musical and technical approach to the guitar. Mr. Willard's performances have taken him to Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall in New York City, and he has concertized extensively throughout Europe and The United States. At Mr. Willard's New York debut, Raymond Ericson of the New York Times said, "The recital was exemplary. Mr. Willard took lute in hand for some pieces by Adrian LeRoy and John Dowland and turned that normally pale-sounding predecessor of the guitar into a brilliant and vivid instrument. Back with the guitar, the performer played his own transcriptions of Bach's Lute Suite in E minor and five dances from Britten's Gloriana' plus Henze's attractive "Drei Tentos". It was again the clarity of Mr. Willard's playing that gave special pleasure." Well known as an ensemble player, Mr.Willard has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra, The New York Opera Company, The New York Consort of Viols, Queens Chamber Band , and the Long Island Baroque Ensemble. Mr. Willard resides in New York City and is on the faculty of the State University of New York at Stony Brook . He has published many transcriptions for guitar including "The Complete Lute Music of J.S. Bach" available through Music Sales Corp. and "Ten Sonatas of D. Scarlatti" available through AIG Publications.