The publication of a facsimile edition of Napoléon Coste’s complete works in the 1980s brought the composer-guitarist’s name before the public after decades of neglect. A student of Sor, he was the most eminent French guitarist of the 19th century and a creative innovator. Fantaisie symphonique shows the range of his ambition with its quasi-orchestral textures, swift mood changes and virtuoso flourishes. Le Départ is one his most popular extended pieces, full of liquid transitions. The other works demonstrate the variety of his art – the multitude of techniques employed, his mastery of texture and attractive intricacy.
Works:
•Coste, N: Andante et Menuet, Op. 39
• N: Grande Sérénade, Op. 30
• Coste, N: La Chasse des Sylphes, Op. 29
• Coste, N: Le Départ – Le Retour, fantaisie dramatique, Op. 31
• Coste, N: Mazurka, Op. 33