Guitar Sonoristics in Sette studi by Maurizio Pisati

Abstract

The tone colour capabilities of the classical guitar have fascinated composers of earlier periods (F. Sor, Method for the Spanish Guitar, Cocks & Co, London 1832, p. 16) as well as those of the 20th and 21st centuries. The growing interest in timbre in the past century is also apparent in solo guitar music. An example of this is a collection of studies for guitar solo entitled Sette studi by Maurizio Pisati. This work illustrates how the sonoristic approach towards the instrument allows to achieve new expressive and artistic qualities. This article aims to define the concept of “sonor-istics”, indicate the role of the cycle among the composer’s works, and present the differences between the interpretation of the described studies and other works of the same type. Further-more, the author shall describe the technical and artistic challenges the performer is faced with at each stage of working on the piece: familiarizing oneself with a complex music score and abundant performance markings; understanding and performing the composer's intentions; sharpening the expression to help draw the listener into an original soundscape. The article will also pre-sent several examples of other works, the learning and interpretation of which can be facilitated by the experience gained while working on Sette studi.