Le Papillon was originally a solo guitar work by Italian composer Mauro Giuliani. To successfully perform this piece you will need one or more of the guitar 1 parts (1a, 1b, 1c) and guitar 2c. Guitar 3 is an additional voice that is not in Giuliani’s original composition but provides a bass-line to fill out the texture. You may add the other parts to your ensemble to accommodate players of different levels.Guitar 1a is written in 10th position. The student should be made aware of the shift in measure 5 that uses the 4 finger to shift from a high F to a high G. The player is then required to use the 1 finger as a guide in shifting back to 11th position in measure 7. Guitar 2d requires to player to produce natural harmonics on the 12th fret with the 4 finger. The student should be instructed to place the left hand finger directly above the fret. If the student has trouble getting a clear sound you may ask them to play the string with the right hand closer to the bridge.
Historical/Cultural Context: Mauro Giuliani (1781-1829), was a guitarist and composer during the classical period in Italy. Giuliani was one of the most prolific guitar composers of all time as well as a virtuosic performer. He wrote hundreds of works including studies and large works such as the six Rossinianas based on operatic themes by the Italian composer Rossini.
The audio recording for this selection was performed by members of the Austin Classical Guitar Youth Orchestra Iris Rentaria, James Snyder, and Aidan Suskic, engineered by ACGYO member and ACG intern Lennox Kolics, and recorded at Chez Boom Audio in Austin, Texas, which generously donated studio space, equipment, and expert guidance.