Fernando Sor

About

Fernando Sor (1778-1839) was a classical guitarist and composer from Barcelona, Spain who is best known as one of the most famous composers for classical guitar. Early in life, Sor decided to leave Spain to obtain a better music educaiton in France. However, given the relative scarcity of guitar players outside of Spain, his music was never received with great enthusias. Sor would spend several years touring and teaching in countries such as England and Russia before ultimately deciding to retire in Paris. Although little is known of Fernando Sor as a composer on par with some of his more famous contemporaries, as a contributor to the evolution of guitar playing methodology, he stands as one of the instrument's preeminent composers.