Sor, Variations on a Theme by Mozart, Op. 9

Fernando Sor (1778-1839) was called “the Beethoven of the Guitar” by French composer François-Joseph Fétis. I’m not sure what Fétis meant by that. Sor was a contemporary of Beethoven who wrote in a Classical style, and he made a very important mark on the repertoire for classical guitar.

Certainly he doesn’t enjoy the widespread fame of Beethoven even though he commands the attention of guitarists. He composed for other instruments and in various genres, but he is remembered best for his compositions for guitar.

The guitar has a very long history stretching back to ancient Babylon. Many varieties of stringed instruments with a flat soundboard and fretted neck fit the general category. But Spain has a special claim to the instrument.

Sor was groomed for a military career but showed an early interest and skill in music. After the death of his father, Sor attended a monastery choir school. Later he was placed in a military academy.

Although we often talk about Beethoven and Napoleon and the ways they personified the times, Sor’s life was strongly impacted by Napoleon’s invasion of Spain. He fought with the Spanish army against the French and composed patriotic songs. After the defeat of Spain, however, his experience in military administration led him to a post with the occupying French. With the subsequent defeat of Napoleon, he was labeled afrancesado and forced to leave Spain forever. He settled in France and later England.

Variations on a Theme by Mozart ranks as one of Sor’s most famous compositions. The theme is “Das klinget so herrlich” from Act I of The Magic Flute.

Those who follow this series may recall Edson Lopes. We featured his performance of Manuel de Falla’s La Vida Breve back in November 2014. More than two years later, it seems like a good time a bring him back for an encore.