Etude in A (La Méthode)
Fernando Sor
This is a study in A major by the Spanish composer Fernando Sor (1778 - 1839). He wrote a large number of didactic works for guitar, including a method and various collections of studies.
La Methode de Guitare is a Sor's guitar method in which he covered many aspects of guitar playing, including instructions for the right position for sure and comfortable playing. Sor had the ability to enhance his didactic material with melody. Thus his studies appear more accessible than the rather dry and technical studies by some of his contemporaries.
There is some controversy about this work. Sor himself pulished his Méthode in 1830. This version also appeared in German as Methode pour la Guitare - Guitarre Schule. The 1830 version was not reprinted in Sor's time presumably because Sor destroyed the print originals after the first publication.
After Sor's death his pupil and fellow-guitarist Napoleon Coste (1805 - 1883) revised the Methode by Sor and added quite a numper of exercises and studies.
This Etude in A looks quite simple, yet it provides a nice exercise in playing in lower and higher positions. It is a good practice in accurate yet flowing playing. Myself, I play it at a tempo of about 160. Play the notes in exact length and keep the fingers close to the frets for a polished sound (this is a general rule). Keep a lighthearted approach and do not forget the dynamics.