A Performance Guide to Latin-American Guitar Quartets: The Quartets of Ernesto Cordero, Leo Brouwer, and Sérgio Assad

Abstract

Latin-American guitarist-composers Ernesto Cordero, Leo Brouwer, and Sergio Assad are three of the most influential figures in the contemporary world of classical guitar. In addition to their important compositions for solo guitar, their compositions for guitar ensemble represent significant contributions to the concert repertory. These three guitarist-composers share a knowledge of popular, folkloric and classical music and demonstrate a commitment to bridging these realms in their compositions in the classical tradition. This study reviews the history of the guitar quartet. It then examines the different cultural influences in selected compositions for classical guitar quartet by each composer, exploring the significance of these choices for the performer and for the medium. The document also offers a performer’s guide for accurate and stylistic performance. When performed well, these quartets represent the vitality of contemporary Latin American composition and confirm the stature of the guitar quartet as a compelling medium for the concert artist.