Siciliano by Carcassi

Siciliano

Composer: Matteo Carcassi (1792 - 1853)

Matteo Carcassi (8 April 1796 – 16 January 1853) was an Italian guitarist and composer. He wrote a method for guitar (Op. 59), first published with Schott in Mainz, in 1836. It is still valuable, relevant and interesting. His most famous works are collected in his 25 Études, Op. 60. In these, he managed to blend technical skills and brilliant Romantic music. This is the reason his music is still played by so many classical guitarists today.

The siciliana or siciliano (also known as the sicilienne or the ciciliano) is a musical style or genre often included as a movement within larger pieces of music starting in the Baroque period. It is in a slow 6/8 or 12/8 time with lilting rhythms, making it somewhat resemble a slow jig or tarantella, and is usually in a minor key. It was used for arias in Baroque operas, and often appears as a movement in instrumental works. Loosely associated with Sicily, the siciliana evokes a pastoral mood, and is often characterized by dotted rhythms that can distinguish it within the broader musical genre of the pastorale.

This piece is selected as one of RCM (The Royal Conservatory of Music) preparatory level repertoire.

Time signature: 3/4
Tempo: 100 - 112 BPM