From the first mention in courtly poetry of the thirteenth century to enormous global popularity in the twentieth, the guitar and its development comprises multiple histories, each characterised by distinct styles, playing techniques, repertories and socio-cultural roles. These histories simultaneously span popular and classical styles, contemporary and historical practices, written and unwritten traditions and western and non-western cultures. This is the first book to encompass the breadth and depth of guitar performance, featuring thirteen essays covering different traditions, styles, and instruments, written by some of the most influential players, teachers, and guitar historians in the world. The coverage of the book allows the player to understand both the analogies and differences between guitar traditions, and all styles, from baroque, classical, country, blues, and rock to flamenco, African, Celtic, and instrument making will share the same platform. As musical training is increasingly broadened this comprehensive book will become an indispensable resource.

This book covers different guitar traditions and styles from baroque, classical, country, blues and rock to flamenco, African and Celtic.

About the Author
Victor Coelho is Professor of Music at the University of Calgary. His publications include Performance on Lute, Vihuela and Guitar (Cambridge, 1997) and Music and Science in the Age of Galileo. As a lutenist he has performed throughout North America and Europe and as a guitarist has released a CD Come on in my Kitchen, with his blues band.

Reviews
'A certain novelty of perspective makes for an enlightening read, leaving the reader at the centre of historical and sociological threads that run across the essays as opposed to hopping from island to island of isolated stylistic pieces ... This wide-angled view permeates the whole book, making for an engaging acknowledgement that social context and direct application of, and experimentation with, technique can transcend genre ... strikes a neat balance between comprehensiveness and depth ...'. Journal of Popular Music



Book Information
ISBN 9780521000406
Author Victor Anand Coelho
Format Paperback
Page Count 280
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 476g
Dimensions(mm) 248mm * 174mm * 17mm