Hey!

Welcome to the first issue of the New Classical Guitar Newsletter. We are Willi and Stefan. We both have degrees in classical guitar. We love the instrument, and with our duo, TMBM, we play concerts, record our own compositions, conduct workshops, and strive to bring more attention to this wonderful instrument. Moreover, we continually engage with the work of other musicians, finding inspiration in great music, playing techniques, and all aspects related to the classical guitar. And, we love chatting about the instrument.

That’s what gave us the idea for this newsletter. In various sections – from the YouTube Find of the Week to special sheet music editions to the Album of the Week – we want to share topics and music with you every other week that inspire us, hopefully adding some exciting, fun, and new input to our shared favorite passion: the classical guitar.

We would be happy if you join us on this journey. But not only that: we look forward to your feedback, ideas, and questions. You can reach out to us anytime. All it takes is replying to this newsletter. Thanks! We will send you this first newsletter and all upcoming "free of charge" and would be delighted if you would like to read the following issues. If not, you can unsubscribe at any time. Just scroll down and you find the link in the footerof this email.

But now, let's get started:

This first issue of the newsletter is almost entirely dedicated to the tremolo technique: Our YouTube Find of the Week, Kanahi Yamashita, presents a gem of Romantic music. Our first featured composer, Leon Albert, has composed a tremolo etude for this issue. As a newsletter subscriber, you can download it for free, try it out, practice, or perform it. Not bad, right? The album of the week by Thomas Viloteau provides us with a lot of multifaceted creativity. Following that, in the "Know How" short interview, we share tips on practicing the tremolo technique. And last but not least, in "Guitar and...," we have a recommendation that we are sure is a unique musical combination and will sweep you away in the best possible way.

Have a good read,
Stefan & Willi 

YOUTUBE FIND OF THE WEEK
Kanahi Yamashita – Reverie Nocturne (Giulio Regondi)

First of all: The tremolo middle part of Regondi's "Reverie Nocturne" surely counts among the most beautiful tremolo parts in the guitar repertoire.

However, the reason we feel this way is not just because it's like a good movie you can watch over and over again. Like a book where you feel sad when it's over, and with each re-read, you discover new details. The reason to want to watch this video repeatedly probably lies in Kanahi's musicality, which is hard to resist, and in the incredibly smooth sound quality that captivates and elevates the piece in the best sense to what it is: a nocturne.

Thanks to the ease with which it's played, the technical demands of the composition might not be immediately apparent. However, the reason why you should definitely watch the video are the visual aesthetics, which not only support but also expand on all the aspects mentioned earlier. Definitely worth watching!

(Quiz question: In which city do you think the video was recorded?)

You can find more about Kanahi Yamashita here: kanahi.de

For more about Hendrik Schacht and Nicolas Haumann (videographers), visit: openstringsberlin.com

SHEET MUSIC
Leon Albert – Spirale

In each newsletter issue, we want to recommend an exclusive piece in sheet music form. The word "Spirale" conveys something constantly repetitive, whether in an "ascending" or "descending" spiral associated with positive or negative connotations. What an artful trick to use the title in relation to a tremolo piece! Leon Albert has written an etude specifically for the tremolo technique, which ruthlessly rotates in the sense of a spiral. Once in your fingers, this spiral will surely revolve in your practice repertoire for a while.

Leon Albert is an extremely versatile guitarist, exploring fields ranging from jazz, indie, and fusion to classical and contemporary music. With "Bizarre Akustische Erscheinungen" and "24 Präludien für den erweiterten Bekanntenkreis," he has already released a series of exciting compositions for solo guitar, often infused with a sense of humor.

Here's the link to Leon's latest release: "24 Präludien für den erweiterten Bekanntenkreis"

More about Leon Albert leonalbert.de

ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Thomas Viloteau – Les Lumières Électriques

In each newsletter issue, we want to showcase an album that has captivated us. It is a great pleasure to kick off with this freshly released album: the first solo album featuring original compositions by the exceptional guitarist Thomas Viloteau. And hopefully, it won't be the last! We were immediately fascinated by the diversity and intricacy of the pieces, as well as their colorful musical expression. Thomas's apparent creativity seems to flow from the first to the last note. You keep discovering old acquaintances such as Bach, Debussy, Tedesco, Lobos, and delight in charming deviations to groovy shuffled parts, counterpoint with plenty of chromatics, slides, delicately brushed chords – the list could go on for a while. The best part is: Despite the many musical elements, the album never feels overloaded. Turn on the sound system, lean back, and enjoy!

To make the surprise even more perfect, there are two songs towards the end, "The Songs I Had" and "Had I a Song." Or a two-part song. In any case, that’s nice, too! And last but not least: Thomas Viloteau recorded the album himself, which we certainly appreciate. It sounds superbly fine!

Listen on Spotify
Artist Website

KNOW-HOW 
5 Questions to Margaréta Lakner about tremolo

Which tremolo piece do you celebrate the most?

"Canción de la Hilandera" and "El Ultimo Tremolo" by Agustín Barrios are my two favorite tremolo pieces because I have beautiful memories and experiences associated with them.

Which one would you recommend for beginners?

For beginners, I would recommend tremolo etudes. They are not too long and less demanding on the left hand. This allows you to focus better on the tremolo and avoids overwhelming challenges right from the start.

What’s your go-to exercise to achieve an even tremolo?

There isn't just one exercise for me. I have pieced a technique routine together from various exercises:

1. I play scales with a-m-i repetitively in groups of four, emphasizing the first beat on a different finger each time.

2. I choose an open string – preferably 4th to 1st – and prepare each finger on the string just before it strikes. The next finger is placed on the string the moment the current one has struck, ensuring the attack never starts from the air but from the string. I practice this exercise loudly, relatively slowly, and with a metronome.

3. Similar to the second exercise, I take an open string and play groups of five, preparing only the first finger of each group on the string. As the group starts with an odd number (five), each group begins with a different finger. I practice this one quietly and quickly, ensuring that the picking hand, including the fingers, relaxes before starting a new group.

If this goes well, I add a group of four to extend the sequence. And naturally, you can/should vary the fingerings in this exercise. It’s also possible to practice using scales or small melodic motifs. For all of these exercises, it is essential to listen attentively and ensure an even, balanced play. Make frequent use of a metronome for control.

How do I increase the speed of my tremolo?

There are different approaches – the more differentially you practice, the greater the chance of creating a beautiful tremolo. Some methods I use include playing a very short passage extremely fast in sprints, with short breaks in between for finger relaxation. Starting very quietly and gradually increasing the volume. Alternatively, you can take a slightly longer passage and play it slowly and extremely loudly with a metronome (e.g., a scale with each note repetitively played with a specific finger combination). Gradually increase the tempo.

What finger combinations are possible, and which do you use? 

Several combinations are possible. The most common is using four fingers (p-a-m-i; p-i-m-a). It's also possible to play Tremolo with three fingers, such as p-m-i or p-i-m. I personally always use p-a-m-i in concerts because this fingering feels the most natural and stable for me. However, when I practice, I use different fingerings, also to increase the efficiency of the "usual" fingering. For example, p-m-i-a works quite well for me.

Margaréta is currently studying classical and acoustic guitar (Jazz/Rock/Pop) at the "Carl Maria von Weber" University of Music in Dresden.

You can listen into Margaréta's artistic work here:

GUITAR AND…
Gyan Riley & Arooj Aftab at NPR Tiny Desk

The classical guitar is certainly an outstanding solo instrument. It can equally shine alongside other instruments, though, giving rise to unique collaborations that we want to highlight in a dedicated newsletter category – Guitar and…

We’re kicking off with: Gyan Riley + Arooj Aftab at NPR Tiny Desk 

As the camera pans from a window toward the musicians, you're drawn in by a minimal violin pizzicato pattern. Then, the bass joins in, also minimalistic, and Gyan Riley's acoustic guitar hovers delicately above. By the time Arooj Aftab's vocals kick in, and the harp adds another dimension, we're completely captivated for the next 20 minutes. Incredible! A daydream, fantastic minimal guitar work, and solo licks by Gyan Riley included.

Interesting fact: Gyan Riley is the son of US composer Terry Riley, a pioneer and innovator in Minimal Music/Pattern Music. We recommend: Good headphones, lights out, and simply let it soak in!

More about Gyan Riley: gyanriley.com
More about Arooj Aftab: aroojaftab.com

OUTRO

We hope you enjoyed reading this first issue of the New Classical Guitar Newsletter.

The next issue will be out in just two weeks. Among other things, we will delve into Flamenco and interview New York-based composer Alexander Liebermann about his approach to composition.

All the best,
Stefan & Willi