John W. Duarte, revised and fingered by Antonio De Innocentis.
Doberman – Yppan : score and separate parts (8, 4, and 4 pages respectively)
John Duarte was always a fascinating writer for the guitar, sometimes very lyrical and movingly emotional as in his English Suite that most players have tried at one time or another, and then at other times utterly modern , with many tonal clashes that almost seem to be from another composer entirely.
Such is this piece here. Subtitled Un Moto Perpetuo Op34,it was written back in 1967 at the request of Ida Presti, who died tragically 3 months later , and never saw the finished product.
At the speed of 120 crotchets a minute and consisting in one part or the other of semi – quavers for the entire duration of 123 bars this is no easy ride in any shape or form. Then when you add all the multitude of extra accidentals into the mix and this becomes a piece that, if you don’t have the musical talents of Presti – Lagoya, then this might not be in your musical capacity.
The full fingerboard is in almost constant use, but however the whole piece is very carefully fingered , so that there is no room for misreading any part of it.
The composer’s son, who writes the Preface states that the piece calls for the utmost dexterity, and coordination from the players, but that the music should always be accompanied by smiles on the lips from the guitarists, as his father was always fond of a joke.
Well, if this piece fits the bill, and your techniques are both really up to it, then this new publication from over 50 years ago, might suit admirably.
Chris Dumigan