The number of classical guitarists who know how to play early 19th century music is vanishingly small. But in this underrated recording, Vieaux proves himself a happy exception. His approach is stylish and tasteful.
Though Spaniard Fernando Sor belongs to Beethoven's generation, he was musically a disciple of Haydn and Mozart. He set himself to raise the standard of music written for the guitar, composing works of richer and fuller harmonic interest than most of his contemporaries. Because of this, his music is deceptively difficult--it should sound easy, but most guitarists founder on the left hand changes and florid ornamentation. Vieaux makes no concession to these difficulties, and plays with lightness and grace.
Curiously, before Vieaux made this recording, he wasn't particularly excited over Sor. But this is a case in which the player found a composer congenial to his strengths and temperament. Vieaux has floated the idea of doing another all-Sor recording for his current label, Azica. If he does, it will show just how good Fernando Sor can be in hands of a sympathetic and imaginative artist.