Fernando Sor

Biography

Fernando Sor (1778 – 1839) was a Spanish composer and guitarist. Sor was one of the greatest virtuoso guitarists of his time, but he has left a much more lasting legacy as a composer than performer for the instrument.

While he was born in and lived his early life in Spain, Sor eventually settled in Paris, like other fellow compatriots. It was in Paris that he became a teacher and where he composed most of his studies, especially the beginner studies in Op. 60, Op. 35, and Op. 31.

His most important works include his Method for the Guitar (1830), Variations on a Theme of Mozart (Op.9), and his more than one hundred studies for students at all levels. One of his last most important works is a series of progressive studies for the complete beginner, “Introduction to the Study of the Guitar: 25 Progressive Lessons,” Op.60.

Sheet Music

Download Sheet Music Here

Introduction à l’étude de la guitare: 25 Progressive Lessons, Op. 60:

25 Progressive Lesson, Op.60 Complete (PDF download)

25 Progressive Lessons, Op.60, Study No.1 (video)

25 Progressive Lesson, Op.60, Study No.2 (video)

25 Progressive Lessons, Op.60, Study No.3 (video)

25 Progressive Lessons, Op.60, Study No.8 (video)

25 Progressive Lessons, Op.60, Study No.9 (video)

Introduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart, Op. 9:

Introduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart, Op. 9 — Manuscript (PDF download)

24 Leçons Progressives, Op. 31:

24 Leçons Progressives, Op. 31, book 1 (PDF download)

24 Leçons Progressives, Op. 31, book 2 (PDF download)

Estudio No.3 in D, Op. 31 (video)

24 Exercices trés faciles, Op. 35:

24 Exercices trés faciles, Op. 35, book 1 (PDF download)

24 Exercices trés faciles, Op. 35, book 1 (PDF download)

Study No.22 in Bm, Op. 35 (video)

Study No.17 in D, Op. 35 (video)

6 Valses Faciles (for 2 guitars), Op. 44b:

Waltz No.1 in C (for 2 guitars), Op. 44b (video)

Performance

Study No.22 in Bm, Op.35: