Canarios by Gaspar Sanz is an all Level 4 piece that teaches bass note reading to all parts. It is an up-tempo Renaissance work in compound time that will test the ensemble’s alternation. As with most pieces in 6/8 emphasize beats 1 and 4 to feel the music in 2. Warm up by playing a D major scale in 6/8 time playing 2 triplets per scale note.
Notes on good thumb stroke:
Have the students play open string 4 with thumb concentrating on good thumb tone. When playing with thumb, push through the string slightly with the tip joint bending towards the string below. The student should be ale to hear a difference in tone between pushing through with the tip joint and keeping the thumb stiff.
Cultural/Historical Context:
Gaspar Sanz (April 4, 1640 – 1710), was a Spanish composer and priest in the late renaissance/early baroque era. He wrote a complete method book for the Baroque ancestor of the guitar and contributed many works to early guitar repertoire. His works heavily influenced many pieces by Joaquin Rodrigo as well.