Twenty studies for the guitar

Segovia gleaned the most effective studies from Sor's extensive canon, compiling them into one album. Contrary to expectation, and common misconception, the album does not follow a graded progression: the album begins with Sor's polyphonic study Op. 6, No. 8, which corresponds to RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) 7. Admittedly, the first few studies following the first are not exceedingly difficult, but before you decide to shell out your hard-earned cash, bear in mind that this album was never intended to be a beginner's introduction to Fernando Sor, as the easiest studies require an intermediate level of guitar proficiency roughly corresponding to RCM 5. The studies are all challenging, some exceptionally so. There's the finger killing study in barre, Op. 29, No. 13. The study in sixths, Op. 6, No. 9. The study in thirds, Op. 6, No. 6. Studies in arpeggios, legatos, chords, etc. All the most effective, and beautiful, studies written by Sor in one album. It's often stated, with good reason, that if you make it through this album unscathed, you can play anything.*update 2016* Looking back upon this collection of studies many years later, I can say-without hesitation-that 90% of my technical proficiency came as a result of following the Segovia fingerings religiously. I approached the studies much as a gymnast approaches a front lever: the studies seemed impossibly difficult at first, but through patient and diligent work, eventually became effortless. Having said this, it was no mean feat to work my way through this collection, and the album was so worn and ragged towards the end that it was almost a pile of mashed pulp. My advice to anyone just embarking into the guitar world is to steel oneself to the concept that it isn't uncommon to devote a minimum of a year to a difficult study in order for the piece to be concert ready. Another piece of advice: practice slowly. So slowly that it is almost maddening.

An LP of John Williams playing the 20 Sor Studies was released in 1963. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only other complete recording of the 20 Segovia chosen studies. I bought the book and CD for the CD. Paul Henry plays them very well.As part of my morning warm up, I have played one of these studies every day for 30 years. The purpose of these studies is to develop and retain technical expertise. I have found the value of these studies comes from their repetition. If you are working on them for the first time, don't try to `master' each one before moving on. Work slowly and take one at a time in their numeric sequence. You may never master all of these.As almost all Classical guitar music, these are in standard notation so, if you play only from tablature it will be a problem. These studies added to a good Classical introduction book will get you started. Good luck.

full page sheet music with clear and easy to read notes and dynamics

One of the best learning books for Classical guitar in my Their is something new to master in each song. I enjoy it because its somewhat of a challenge. Sor has always done a great job making a piece sound good and including learning material within a piece.

It is a great book but some of the is for a more advanced player. The material being covered looks like it was taken from years of study and put together into one book.

Not for beginners. It's a challenge.

Rather tough material even for an intermediate player. Guess that is why it is called "Studies". Definitely challenging as is most of Sor's works.

A set of standard practice exercises for the classical guitar. Its quality speaks for itself

I would highly recommend the pieces within this book as an addition to any classical guitarist's repertoire. The majority of the studies are relatively short and all are individually beautiful in themselves. The musical notation within this edition provides clear/concise fingerings, dynamics, articulation and tempo suggestions to allow accurate interpretation of the pieces. Each study provides various technical challenges and develops good balance between left and right hands and would be a useful stepping stone in progressing to more advanced pieces by Fernando Sor.I would suggest that this is not a book for the complete beginner. The studies are not graded in order of difficulty which could be an inconvenience and you will require a relatively good level of playing and music reading (UK-Trinity/ABRSM Grade 5+) to interpret these pieces accurately.It is worth noting that this book does not contain tablature for those who do not read musical notation.The audio CD is accurate to the pieces within this edition and the CD is worth owning if only as an addition to a musical collection. I found the CD isuseful as a reference point to ensure correct interpretation of the studies and would suggest purchasing the book/audio edition for this purpose.Overall I would highly recommend this product.

Excellent - but only if you read music. I think it would benefit from tablature as many people do not read music now.

This is a must for classical guitarists. Each study is accompanied by a CD track.

I disliked the fact that it says book/ cd pack, and there is no cd!

The book is a must for any serious classical guitar students or any serious amateur. The CD gives guidance to a certain extent. But the lack of dynamics in Paul Henry's playing, or if there is, it is so unimpressive. I make this conclusion because I have a number of books with CD from him. Technically, I cannot fault his playing, but musically, it leaves a lot to be desired - It gives me a very ...eh.... well, "flat" feeling. So, my advice is to get the book without the CD. Save the money to buy other things.