ISBN 9781610656139.

The guitar's entrance into American culture began in the early 1800s, introduced primarily by visiting and immigrant Spanish guitarists. Many of these newly arrived Spaniards exerted great influence on the guitar's development in 19th century America. The works in this book contain the compositions and arrangements of eight noted 19th century Hispanic American guitarist / composers with an emphasis on their works that reflect Latin themes or rhythms. Rounding out this anthology are dance forms such as the Habanera, Jota, Cachucha, Sevillano, Spanish Mazurka, and other Spanish dance related works along with extended concert pieces such as Theme and Variations, Serenades, Polonaises and a delightful arrangement of The Celebrated Spanish Retreat, a programmatic work with an unusual 'C' tuning and novel harmonic effects crafted to imitate the bugles, horns and drums as heard on the battlefield. The book features twenty-one solos and two duets which range in difficulty from easy to advanced. An extensive and well researched text along with photos and a companion recording by acclaimed guitarist/scholar Douglas Back help to make this a landmark book.

ISBN 9781619117983.

Romantic Arias for Classical GuitarA is a collection of the worlds most beloved songs from the world of opera.A A An aria is a song performed during an opera that listeners are the most familiar with. These AC/a!Apop songs of opera" provide an entry point for those unfamiliar with the opera repertoire, considered by many as the most expressive genre of western music. For those who are familiar with the world of opera, you will recognize the selections here as the arias most beloved by millions of listeners around the world.This project, a labor of love by master guitarist Steve Eckels, contains the most famous melodies by composers Verdi and Puccini including the great operasA La Traviata,A Madame Butterfly,A La BohA"me,A Turandot,A Nabucco,A Tosca, andA Rigoletto. Also included are MassenetsA Meditation, DelibesA Flower Duet, OffenbachsA Barcarolle,A BizetsA HabaneraA and others. The pieces have been arranged for recreational or concert guitarists, and have been meticulously fingered and engraved for ease of learning. The author has also provided music reading warm-ups to assist in learning the pieces. Eckels performances of all the arrangements on YouTube will provide an aid in familiarizing yourself with the most beloved songs ever written.A Includes access to online audio.