Harris Becker

Guitar / Lute & Baroque Guitar  

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A History of the Guitar

This lecture-performance will show the unique development of the modern guitar from the troubadour to the concert stage. Musical examples will be performed on Renaissance Lute, Baroque Guitar and the Classical Guitar. The lecture will highlight the basic musical characteristics of each period as reflected in the various instruments. Composers featured will be Dowland, De Murcia, Sor, Albeniz, Domeniconi and Savage.

 

an introduction to music: from chant to phillip glass

This lecture is designed to be an overview of the development of western music. We will explore the evolution of music and its aesthetic and creative applications in western civilization. Each period gives us a new and exciting look at music, each having their own relationship to musical fundamentals such as melody, harmony and rhythm. The goal is for participates to become more active listeners.

 

the baroque guitar

The Baroque Guitar is the precursor to the modern six string guitar.  There is a vast amount of repertoire from guitarists and composers from the Baroque period, and that music will be the focus of this class.  The lecture/performance will discuss music by Santiago de Murcia, Robert de Viseé, Francesco Corbetta and others.

 

THE 19TH CENTURY GUITAR

In the 19th Century the six string guitar evolves although very different from the modern guitar it is basically the same instrument. There were many prominent guitarists/composers at that time including Sor, Giuliani, Mertz, and Regondi.  This lecture/performance will explore this remarkable instrument and its music.

 

the modern classical guitar

The repertoire for the guitar has expanded considerably from the early 20th century to the present thanks to composers from all around the globe.  Since the instrument was recognized as a concert instrument during the past century much of this music was written by non-guitarists.  The guitar has been flourishing, with an ever increasing repertoire and compositions that incorporate innovative techniques.  This lecture/performance will focus on the new repertoire including works of Manuel Dafalla, Antonio Jose, Carlo Domeniconi, Peter Sculthorpe and Toro Takemitsu.

 

the spanish classical guitar

The guitar was an essential part of the culture in Spain.  The Spanish repertoire includes pieces by guitarist—composers and non-guitarist composers, as well as arrangements of some of the most cherished Spanish piano music by Issac Albeniz and Enrique Granados.  This lecture/performance will explore that repertoire and its history including works by Fernando Sor and Francisco Tarrega.

 

ANDRÉS SEGOVIA: GUITARIST AND VISIONARY

This lecture will focus on the great maestro’s contribution in bringing the classical guitar to international prominence. The lecture will highlight Segovia’s performances as well the many works written for him. We will also explore his legacy through his teaching, recording and mentorship.

 

JULIAN BREAM – LUTENIST & GUITARIST “A GUITARIST OF MANY COLORS” 

This lecture will feature the artistry of the great English guitarist & lutenist, Julian Bream.  We will explore his guitar playing and look at the numerous compositions written for him. Bream is widely cited as the person who re-discovered the Renaissance lute repertoire and brought it to international prominence. We will hear and discuss compositions including Benjamin Britten’s Nocturnal, the Walton Bagatelles and the lute music of the Renaissance.

 

THE LUTE MUSIC OF JOHN DOWLAND (1563 -1626) 

John Dowland is considered one of the greatest lutenists of the Renaissance. Dowland wrote for a variety of mediums including solo lute, madrigals and consort. In this lecture/performance we will discuss his musical diversity and hear recordings along with live performances.