Excited to share a couple works by Enríquez de Valderrábano. ‘Soneto Lombardo a Manera de Danza’, from Valderrábano’s ‘Silva de Sirenas’ (1547), is a stylized dance derived from an Italian pavana. Versions of the same melody appear in German and French lute and organ sources. Valderrábano’s setting transforms this dance melody into a refined vihuela idiom, combining graceful rhythmic motion with elegant harmonic writing. ‘Fantasia 19’ is one of a number of works Valderrábano based on pre-existing vocal models. This fantasia is explicitly identified as a parody of the post-Kyrie from Josquin des Prez’s ‘Missa De Beata Virgine’. Rather than a literal transcription, Valderrábano reshapes the polyphonic source into a richly idiomatic solo work. The result is a fantasia that balances studied counterpoint with expressive freedom, illustrating both the vihuelist’s deep engagement with the most innovative Franco-Flemish repertory of his time and the Renaissance ideal of parody as a form of respectful transformation. Played on a Michael Gee guitar.

We had the pleasure of visiting Scottish luthier Pete Beer at his workshop last month. We chat about various topics and try three of his guitars. Hope you enjoy !

A couple pieces, originally for vihuela, from the Spanish Renaissance by Miguel de Fuenllana. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GXfFxmrFWOM

Here is a conversation we had with celebrated English Luthier Michael Gee. It was part of the annual Big Guitar Festival at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Adam plays on a Michael Gee guitar so a good place to hear them is via Adam's videos : ) Hope you enjoy!

Pepe Romero conducted a Masterclass on Monday evening, at Guitar Salon International in Santa Monica CA. Program: 1. Tiento Antiguo by Joaquin Rodrigo - performed by Arturo Solorzano 2. An Malvina, from “Bardenklange” by Johann Kasper Mertz - performed by Juri Yun 3. Homenaje by Manuel de Falla - performed by Brady Davis 4. En Los Trigales by Joaquin Rodrigo - performed by Pietro Ruscigno 5. Three forest paintings: “Snowdrop“ by Konstantin Vassiliev - performed by Eduard Hrmushyan 6. Lullaby by Clarice Assad - performed by Doris Ćosić This event is sponsored by TeacherNet, Guitar Salon International, the GSI Foundation and is organized in collaboration with the classical guitar department of the USC Thornton School of Music. https://www.youtube.com/live/4zkexUdlu10?si=OUk33z07oXRCe2ff