Born in the heart of Barcelona, Fernando Sor, a man of Catalan roots, etched his name indelibly in the annals of music as a virtuoso classical guitarist, composer, and music teacher. His life was a melange of musical prowess, patriotism, and a constant quest for perfection. Today, he is remembered and revered for his significant contributions to classical guitar, his unique playing style, and his insightful methodology.
Early Life and Introduction to Music
In the late 18th century, on February 14, 1778, a child named Joseph Fernando Macari Sors was baptized, who would later be known to the world as Fernando Sor. Born into a lineage of military professionals, Sor was expected to follow the same path. However, destiny had a different plan.
Sor’s tryst with music began at a tender age. His father introduced him to the enchanting world of Italian opera and the humble instrument, guitar. Despite the guitar being perceived as an inferior, plebeian instrument compared to its orchestral counterparts, Sor took to it like a fish to water. His passion for music soon started to eclipse his Latin studies, a matter of concern for his parents.
To win his parents’ approval, a young Sor began composing songs with Latin lyrics, demonstrating that his musical inclinations did not hamper his academic pursuits. His talent did not go unnoticed. The maestro at the Barcelona Cathedral recognized Sor’s musical prowess and he was enrolled in the choir school there. This marked the beginning of Sor’s formal musical education.
A Turn of Events: From Military to Music
Sor’s brief stint at the Barcelona Cathedral was cut short following the death of his father. With limited financial resources, his mother could not afford his education at the Cathedral. However, fortune favored the budding musician. Joseph Arredondo, the Abbot of Santa Maria de Montserrat, acknowledged Sor’s extraordinary talent and sponsored his education at the Escolania de Montserrat, the famed choir school at the monastery.
The monastery not only honed Sor’s musical skills but also left an indelible impact on his life. His fond memories of Montserrat are well-documented in his writings. However, his growing obsession with music raised concerns among his family and friends, who believed that it was distracting him from a more stable career in the military or administration. Yielding to their advice, his mother transferred him to a military school.
Ironically, the military school did not diminish Sor’s passion for music. Instead, it provided him ample free time to compose music, enabling him to harmonize his musical pursuits with his military education.
The Invasion and the Aftermath: Sor’s Political Stand
Fernando Sor’s life took a dramatic turn when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain in 1808. A patriot at heart, Sor initially resisted the invasion, even joining traveling military bands to perform protest music on the streets. His compositions from this period were replete with nationalistic fervor and were mostly accompanied by patriotic lyrics. However, Sor’s resistance was short-lived.
The defeat of the Spanish army saw Sor accepting an administrative position in the French government, earning him the label of an “afrancesado” (Francophile). When the Spaniards reclaimed their land from the French in 1813, Sor, along with other afrancesados, feared retribution and fled to France, leaving his homeland forever.
Sor’s Parisian Sojourn: The Rise of a Guitar Virtuoso
In Paris, Sor’s exceptional talent as a guitarist began to shine. He quickly earned fame as a virtuoso performer and a gifted composer. His contributions to classical guitar music during this period were tremendous. However, his attempts to break into the world of opera composition met with little success in France. This setback did not deter Sor; instead, it propelled him to explore new avenues in other lands.
A New Chapter in London and Moscow
In 1815, Sor ventured to London, aiming to build a stronger musical career. His stay in London till 1823 was marked by considerable fame as a classical guitarist. Since ballet was more popular than opera in London, Sor decided to venture into this new genre of music. His ballet, Cendrillon (Cinderella), turned out to be a major success.
In 1823, Sor, along with his wife Felicite Hullin, a ballerina, moved to Moscow. Details about his life in Moscow remain scant, but it is known that he continued to compose music and perform concerts in various European cities.
Final Years and Legacy
In 1827, Sor decided to settle back in Paris. His later years were marked by the composition of most of his classical guitar works, which were largely influenced by public demand for technically simple yet pleasing pieces. Despite facing criticism for his compositions, Sor remained undeterred and continued to contribute to the world of classical guitar. His last work was a mass dedicated to his daughter, who died in 1837. Devastated by her death and battling with his declining health, Sor passed away in 1839.
Fernando Sor’s life was a testament to his undying passion for music and his unwavering dedication towards the classical guitar. His innovative compositions and unique methodology continue to inspire guitarists worldwide, securing his legacy as a true virtuoso of classical guitar.
Notable Works
Fernando Sor’s extensive repertoire includes a wide array of compositions. His Introduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart, based on a melody from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute, is one of his most popular works. Sor also composed numerous didactic pieces for guitarists of all levels, including his Twelve Studies – Op. 6, Twelve Studies – Op. 29, Progressive Lessons – Op. 31, and Very Easy Exercises – Op. 35.
Sor’s Method for Guitar is another significant contribution, offering a comprehensive guide for learning the Spanish guitar. This instructional manual is still regarded as a critical resource for classical guitar studies.
Instruments Used by Sor
Fernando Sor’s preferred instruments were guitars made by Pierre Rene Lacote, who was known for his adherence to reasoning and flexibility. Some of Lacote’s guitars bear Sor’s signature, reflecting his approval. Sor also endorsed instruments made by Louis Panormo of London, but these are not known as “Sor models.” Sor’s unique playing style and his preference for a specific type of guitar significantly influenced the evolution of the classical guitar.
Quotations and Reception
François-Joseph Fetis, a Belgian musicologist, praised Sor, calling him the “Beethoven of the guitar.” Sor’s music, particularly his guitar sonatas, is admired for its freshness and distinctive harmony. His compositions have been critically analyzed and appreciated by various musicologists.
Despite Sor’s compositions falling into obscurity after his death, Spanish guitarist and composer Andres Segovia revived his works in the 20th century. Today, Sor’s compositions form a vital part of the classical guitar repertory, and his contribution to classical guitar methodology is widely recognized.
Fernando Sor’s life and career were a testament to his passion for music and his dedication to the classical guitar. His innovative compositions and unique playing style have left a lasting impact on the world of classical guitar, inspiring generations of musicians. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Sor remained undeterred, continuously striving to elevate the status of the classical guitar and contribute to its repertoire. His legacy as a virtuoso guitarist and composer endures, ensuring that his name will forever be synonymous with the classical guitar.