This work, which was commissioned by the "Semaine de guitare en Tricastin", was written in homage to Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and at its first performance in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, in south-east France, on 1st May 1991, there were over twenty guitarists on stage. On that occasion I was unwise enough to wear two hats, one as soloist (with my guitar slung from my shoulders!) and one as conductor. Although it was an inspiring, not to say athletic experience, my advice for future performers is to leave the conducting firmly in the hands of a single director. As a soloist, you will then be free, as I most certainly was not, to concentrate on a guitar part that is as demanding as any solo concerto part can be.
Good advice apart, I have only to add that if you enjoy rhythm, if you fall for highly lyrical slow movements and modal music, and if the idea of scordatura bodes no fear - and if, furthermore, you have a good ten or so adventurous and enthusiastic friends - then this concerto is, quite simply, for you.
Roland Dyens
