Bohemian-born Wenzel Thomas Matiegka was a contemporary of Ludwig van Beethoven and a celebrated guitarist. His reputation was consolidated after he settled in Vienna, where he was accepted in musical circles that included Franz Schubert. Matiegka's works reflect the influence of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn and at the same time explore the virtuoso possibilities of the guitar, combining lyrical
Serenity with refreshing good humor and rousing technique. This is the first part of a complete edition of Wenzel Thomas Matiegka's guitar sonatas on two albums. Matiegka is a composer whose work is known and highly regarded by some serious guitar enthusiasts, but whose music has been overshadowed by the popularity of composers such as Fernando Sor and Mauro Giuliani. Matiegka is regarded as one
of the flourishing Viennese guitar school of the early 19th century and was undoubtedly an influential figure in the fashionable guitar scene of his time. Leading 20th century concert guitarists such as Andrés Segovia, Julian Bream and John Williams do not seem to have had access to Matiegka's compositions, which is why the re-evaluation of his qualities is still ongoing. The works selected for this recording
undoubtedly exhibit many of the unique and most interesting characteristics of guitar compositions from Matiegka's time, from lyrically expressive movements to spectacular virtuoso capers.