Suite 1674

In 1674 Gaspar Sanz published his treatise on how to play the Spanish guitar. These exercises became the basis for Rodrigo’s beloved Fantasía Para un Gentilhombre for guitar and orchestra. Suite 1674 is freely created from three exercises in the treatise, taking what was originally for solo guitar and reimagining it for symphonic band.

Program Notes

Gaspar Sanz (1640? - 1710) was born in Aragon, Spain and studied theology at the University of Salamanca, becoming a priest. He then studied music in Italy and became the organist of the Spanish Viceroy at Naples and was appointed instructor of guitar to Don Juan, son of King Philip IV. A picture of Don Juan appears on the cover of Sanz’ 1674 treatise on how to play the Spanish guitar, Instrucción de Música sobre la Guitarra Española. This remarkable three-volume treatise features over ninety melodies and dances designed to teach people to play the Spanish guitar. The exercises became the basis for the beloved Fantasía Para un Gentilhombre, the 1954 concerto for guitar and orchestra by Joaquín Rodrigo. Suite 1674 is freely created from three exercises in the treatise, taking what was originally for solo guitar and reimagining it for symphonic band.

Grade Level: 3.5
Copyright: 2014
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 4:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Programming: Multicultural
Category: Concert Band

Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1&2
Oboe 1&2
Bassoon 1&2
E-flat Clarinet
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1&2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet 1&2
Trumpet 3
F Horn 1&2
Trombone 1&2
Trombone 3
Baritone
(TC Baritone)
Tuba

Xylophone
Marimba
Bells
Tambourine
Snare Drum
Bass Drum
Timpani (3 drums)