Classical Guitar of Spain

I am familiar with J. Harris from a couple of other books and I know from my experience with those books that he usually includes music not found in other books. That is true of this book. Along with many standard Spanish works, he includes works in this book by Malats, Granados, Donostia and de Falla. For me that is a welcome change of pace, since I didn't have any music by these composers. The Malats piece is a transcription by Tarrega and in that regard is fairly challenging. Most of the music in this collection I would describe as fairly challenging. Malats' "Serenata Espanola" is a challenge melodically, but even more so rhythmically . Once mastered it is a lot of fun to play. Granados' two pieces are both a challenge in every way, and even though Tabs are included in this book it took me a good while to work them out and I still have much more work to do on both pieces. If you like Spanish music you'll like this book. If you are up for a challenge you'll like it. As I mentioned, Tabs are included, and that helps. Harris' arrangements are solid, well marked for fingering, position and interpretation and everything is printed on bright white paper that's easy to read.

If you are a fairly accomplished guitarist, and enjoy playing some very fine pieces written for the classical guitar, then this book is for you. From Leyenda("Asturias") Suite Espanola to Cancion Triste, Preludios Vascos, Book II, the music in this edition will fill that empty niche and keep you interested in learning and ideally, performing the rich repertoire and selections of pieces in this book. Written in tablature, as well as standard notation, these pieces demand rigorous practice and careful attention if they are to be learned well, claimed as one's own, and finally mastered. Good luck, and happy practising.

Great!