About the music:
“La Sandunga” (also spelled Zandunga) is a traditional Mexican waltz. Serving as the unofficial anthem of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in the state of Oaxaca, the song combines a diverse mixture of influences. These influences include the Spanish Jota, as well as Native American and Mestizo elements. The melody is believed to come from Andalusia. It was then adapted by the Zapotec musician Andrés Guitierrez (also named Ndre Sa’a in the Zapotec language). Máximo Ramó Ortiz wrote the lyrics in 1853 after the death of his mother who for some time served as governor of Tehuantepec. Ortiz wrote the words in part to promote independence from the Mexican government. The word Sandunga, rarely used in the Spanish language, is translated as gracefulness, elegance, charm, wit, or celebration. The lyrics tell the story of a Zapotec woman mourning the death of her mother. She calls out in pain “Sandunga” in honor of her mother.
Guitar 1 is a level 9 part. It requires upper position reading with limited guidance. The intention is for the student to mark fingerings where necessary.
Guitar 2a is a level 8 part. It includes limited upper position reading, and a few small problems for students to solve. An example comes in m. 66 which asks students to play G on string 2 and A on string 1 in position V. Ask students to explore how they might rotate the left wrist to make finger placement more comfortable and reliable.
Guitar 2b is a level 4 part. Small challenges include double stops and a few subtle fingering choices.
Guitar 3 is a level 4 part. It features “drop D” tuning. Develop a protocol for tuning in between pieces that require it. One example- turn the 6th string tuner counter-clockwise 3 complete turns, wait 4 seconds, turn the tuner approximately ½ to ¼ turn clockwise. Check the harmonic on string 6 fret 12 against the open string 4. Making sure the sounds overlap, adjust string 6 until it matches string 4. This guitar part also asks students to dampen open strings to prevent a muddy sound. This requires timing the right hand thumb to play and then stop the vibrations of adjacent strings. Show students how to practice this on open strings and then isolate a section of the music that includes the technique.
About the arranger:
Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Kaya began his interest in classical guitar at the age of six with his father, Dr. Mehmet Refik Kaya. In addition to winning many major classical guitar competitions, earning Masters and Doctorate degrees from prestigious Universities, and touring as a concert soloist, Kaya is a prolific composer. He has written and published music for solo guitar, violin, piano, string trio and many other combinations of performers. Learn more at celilrefikkaya.com.