| CD Program Grand Sonata No. 1 Andante con espressione (Grand Sonata No. 2) Variations on a Tyrolean Song, op. 27 Sonata in b minor, op. 31, no. 6 Three Minuets (op. 15, no. 1, op. 20, no. 10, op. 15, no. 4) Etude in C major |
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| Matiegka, the Beethoven of the Guitar Wenzeslaus Matiegka (1773-1830) was the author of a large number of compositions for the guitar. David Leisner believes that this little-known composer was actually one of the most important, if not the most important guitar composer of the 19th century. The 11 solo Sonatas known to exist, as well as all of the chamber music, are generously proportioned and show a masterful command of the grand scale. In addition, his music reveals a complexity of counterpoint, richness of harmonic progression, musical imagination and invention, and above all, a forward-moving sense of development that easily surpasses all of his guitar contemporaries. While Matiegka surely did not possess the genius of Beethoven, he was Beethoven's analogy in the world of the guitar: just as the great composer occupied a position of central importance to the piano literature of his time, so were the works of Matiegka the pre-eminent guitar compositions of his generation. "You will not be disappointed in this music or this performance...Leisner plays with the excellence we've come to expect. He is an assertive, sensitive, inventive, creative musician. He's discovered some truly substantial music in Matiegka, and he is delighted to share his enthusiasm." American Record Guide "What sets David Leisner apart is the refinement of his phrasing, which he imbues with clear, convincing and original intentions...His playing is authoritative, without trying to appear so. And he succeeds marvelously, taking us through this entire recording without a single dull moment." Suonare |