Franco Margola (1908–1992)
occupies a distinctive place in
twentieth-century Italian music as
a composer who combined modern
clarity with a deep respect for classical
balance and lyric expression.
Born in Brescia, Margola was trained
within the Italian conservatory
tradition and soon developed a style
often associated with neoclassicism:
transparent textures, well-defined
forms, and an elegant restraint that
avoided both romantic excess and
radical avant-garde experimentation.
Throughout his career he wrote
extensively for chamber ensembles,
voice, and solo instruments, consistently
favoring intimate musical
dialogue and refined craftsmanship.
Among his most important contributions
to the guitar repertoire are the
five Sonatas for guitar, composed
over several decades. These works
reflect Margola’s close engagement
with the instrument’s idiomatic possibilities
while maintaining a strong
structural rigor. Rather than treating
the guitar merely as a vehicle for virtuosic
display, Margola emphasizes
musical architecture, motivic development,
and subtle harmonic color.
Each sonata presents a different
perspective on form and expression,
yet all share a characteristic clarity
of line and balance between melody
and accompaniment.
Stylistically, the guitar sonatas draw
on classical models—especially
the sonata principle and dancelike
movements—while incorporating
twentieth-century harmonic
language, including modal inflections
and gently dissonant sonorities.
Rhythmic vitality and contrapuntal
writing are frequent features,
demanding both technical control
and musical sensitivity from the
performer.

At the same time, Margola’s
lyrical impulse remains central:
slow movements often unfold in
long, singing phrases that highlight
the guitar’s natural warmth and
expressive resonance.
Played by Valerio Celentano, who
graduated in classical guitar with
the honors from the Conservatory
of Music “Giuseppe Martucci”
in Salerno under the guidance of
Antonio Grande. He has participated
in several masterclasses with
famous guitarists such as Alirio Díaz,
Pavel Steidl, David Russell, Jyrki
Myllärinen, Mario Gangi and
Carlo Marchione. He studied for
several years with Oscar Ghiglia and
Frédéric Zigante.
He won prizes in many international
music competitions. For Brilliant
Classics he recorded guitar works by
Georges Migot.