La Catedral: Sheet Paperback – March 1, 1985

Barios was famous (infamous?) for ad-libbing and changing his pieces on the fly. His approach to composition was far more improvisational than the stoic gatekeepers of certain classical guitar schools will readily accept. Stover's edition attempted to cull and "correct" these variations into a unified version (with alternates printed in addendum). Alas, Stover's edition has itself become something of a historical curiosity due to its rigid nature and numerous errors, and is no longer considered an urtext (if it ever truly was). That being said, if one can accept these caveats, it is worthwhile to add this to a performance library in order to gain a fuller picture of the ways "La Catedral" may be interpreted by a performer. It should be used in conjunction with newer, more scholarly editions along with a healthy dose of individual interpretive freedom if a player is to truly re-create the sprit of the piece as Barios intended.

this is most rubbish edition dont buy it , note are wrong fingering are wrong, not original, i buy it because LTCL exam request this publisher, but they are the most rubbish one, unless you need for exam, otherwise dont but it. the fingering is never can archevie because all wrong, Chinese pirate version even better!

This is a great book for the dedicated guitarist. You must have a background in either classical or fingerstyle guitar.

La Catedral is surely one of Agustin Barrios' finest and most beautifully moving works. Consisting of three movements (Preludio Saudade, Andante Religioso, Allegro Solemne) - with the Preludio being composed 19 years after the second and third movements - La Catedral seems to represent a certain progression in Barrios' religious expression.Indeed, La Catedral is undoubtedly a work of religious inspiration (misguided as it is). As the story goes, Andante Religioso (the second movement) was born out of the impression Barrios had upon entering the Cathedral of San Jose in Montevideo. In the calm of the Cathedral, Barrios was moved by the music of an organist, who was playing the broad, horizontal chording of J.S. Bach. The Andante Religioso of Barrios is an obvious impression of Bach, and emotionally, it seems to be representative of the ordered calm of the Cathedral - a detachment from the chaos and noisy confusion of the outside world.Although the Preludio Saudade (the first movement) was composed 19 years after the other two movements, one can only guess that its emotional meaning is tied to that of the second movement. It is, perhaps, Barrios' retrospective first impression of calm in the Cathedral, or possibly his attitude of contemplation which drove him to that place. The Preludio lends itself to that of a mystery; indeed, it is almost mystical in nature - its structure has a soft, ethereal quality. Interestingly, this mystical quality would be consistent with Barrios' theological/philosophical assumptions. His adherence to Theosophy - a sort of semi-Gnostic, transcendalistic pantheism - demands that knowledge be gained through mysticism. Could the Preludio be an incarnation of Barrios' philosophy? One can only speculate, but it does seem probable. Through mysticism (the Preludio) comes structure (the Andante). Through structure (which was achieved through his impression of Bach), came peace and calm.Finally, leaving the Preludio and the Andante, the piece moves into its third movement - the Allegro Solemne. This movement is representative of Barrios' departure from the Cathedral. Having experienced intense contemplation in the peaceful tranquility of the Cathedral, the Allegro Solemne, in stark contrast, portrays a return to the chaos of the streets; it is the loss of peace that once came through mystical contemplation. We see this in Barrios' use of unrelenting 16th note arpeggio figures.All in all, it is a fascinating piece. Beginning with whispers of delicate genius, it progresses magnificently yet subtly to a climactic conclusion. It is a brilliant display of the tugs and pulls in the emotions of Barrios. One can almost feel, through the ebb and flow of the piece, the tension, resolution, and dissolution of his experience and contemplation.Highly recommended.

this is a good edition but fingering and some of the arrangement is different from this old score I had, which I remember making more sense musically and physically. I wish I could remember what edition it was...

Nice intro and variations in the book. The music is written out in a strange way. I have seen it written out more clearly in othr copies. It you know the music, it won't be an issue. Good for only a few quid

A nicely printed clear edition over two easily readable pages, although in places, the suggested fingerings are completely illogical and unworkable no matter how big your hands may be!There is a probable misprint in bar 27, where the two top E's should be Fsharps according to some authorities.Nevertheless, a very usable and well priced copy which is very easy to read

It is nice to find a book that is challenging and interesting to play. A good buy. Recommended to experienced players.

Excellent service. Product quality very good.

I ordered the book. I got the book. The book has what looks like smears of blood or a squished bug on the cover. It has the music, with no pages missing. Just visually unappealing for something that is supposed to be NEW.