Graham Whettam
Guitar Partita
- Composer: Graham Whettam (1927-2007)
- Instrumentation: Guitar
- Work: Guitar Partita
- ISMN:
- Pages: 24
Description
Partita for Solo Guitar is a 23-minute work in four movements (Preludio - Scherzo Spiritoso - Canto del Bardo - Finale Fuocoso). It was written in 1968 and revised in 1989, after the composer was persuaded to release it following his use of an idea from the Partita in his Serenade for Viola (or Clarinet) and Guitar.
The original manuscript of this work was begun in the spring of 1967, around the time of my youngest son Julian's birth, and was completed on 20 March 1968. It thereafter lay forgotten for many years, until I adapted an idea from it when writing the Serenade for Viola (or Clarinet) and Guitar. It was after the publication of this latter work that Graham Wade persuaded me to show him the Partita, which he subsequently performed, thereby convincing me that it should duly be published. The music has been completely revised and rewritten for that purpose, and it is this latter manuscript which is reproduced in facsimile here. in a work of such duration, the practicality for the player of turning over pages is of great importance, and appropriate attention has been given to this problem. I would particularly like to thank Graham Wade both for his enthusiasm in persuading me to release this music, and for his help in proof-reading the ensuing pages.
Graham Whettam December 1989
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Guitar Partita
