Suíte & Sonatas

In Suites e Sonatas, Marcelo Kayath traces the evolution of cyclical forms in music for plucked string instruments, from the Baroque suite to the modern sonata. The program highlights both stylistic continuity and transformation across centuries.

At its core stands the monumental Suite BWV 997 by Johann Sebastian Bach, composed in Leipzig around 1740. From the expansive Prelude and intricate Fugue to the serene Sarabande and vibrant Gigue with Double, the work showcases Bach’s structural mastery and expressive depth on the guitar.

The Suite in F major by Silvius Leopold Weiss, assembled from Dresden manuscripts, reflects the elegance and rhythmic vitality of the lute tradition, presenting distinctive challenges and colors on the modern instrument.

The Classical style emerges in the Sonata op. 15b by Fernando Sor, a work of formal clarity and expressive balance. The journey concludes with the Sonata op. 77 by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, written at the request of Andrés Segovia in tribute to Luigi Boccherini, blending Mediterranean lyricism with rhythmic vitality.

With stylistic insight and refined artistry, Kayath reaffirms the guitar as both heir to a rich historical legacy and a fully expressive concert instrument.

Tracklist

01 — JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, Suite BWV 997 in A minor: I. Prelude 3’32”
02 — JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, Suite BWV 997 in A minor: II. Fugue 3’58”
03 — JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, Suite BWV 997 in A minor: III. Sarabande 5’00”
04 — JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, Suite BWV 997 in A minor: IV. Gigue 2’57”
05 — JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, Suite BWV 997 in A minor: V. Double 3’03”
06 — SYLVIUS LEOPOLD WEISS, Suite in F Major: I. Prelude 1’42”
07 — SYLVIUS LEOPOLD WEISS, Suite in F Major: II. Allemande 3’01”
08 — SYLVIUS LEOPOLD WEISS, Suite in F Major: III. Courante 1’53”
09 — SYLVIUS LEOPOLD WEISS, Suite in F Major: IV. Sarabande 6’25”
10 — SYLVIUS LEOPOLD WEISS, Suite in F Major: V. Gigue 3’22”
11 — FERNANDO SOR, Sonata op.15b in C major: Allegro Moderato 7’39”
12 — MARIO CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO, Sonata op.77 in D “Omaggio a Boccherini”: I. Allegro con spirito 4’23”
13 — MARIO CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO, Sonata op.77 in D “Omaggio a Boccherini”: II. Andantino, quasi canzone 5’05”
14 — MARIO CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO, Sonata op.77 in D “Omaggio a Boccherini”: III. Tempo di Minuetto – Ceremonioso 3’52”
15 — MARIO CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO, Sonata op.77 in D “Omaggio a Boccherini”: IV. Vivo ed energico 4’16”

Total duration: 1h3min

Listen on streaming

Credits

Dedicated toManuela, Stephanie, Isabella, Marcelo and Eduardo

RecordingAuditório Unibes Cultural, 2014

DatesMay 1 and 2 – Bach Suite [1] – [5]; June 12 and 13 – Weiss and Sor [6] – [11]; October 24 and 25 – Castelnuovo-Tedesco [12] – [15]

Sound EngineeringRicardo Marui

Recording AssistantHenrique Caldas

Editing and MixingRicardo Marui, Marcelo Kayath and Henrique Caldas

MasteringHomero Lotito – Reference Mastering Studio

Graphic Design, Photos and VideosEduardo Sardinha

Executive ProductionLilah Kuhn

English translationStella Klujsza

GuitarsHauser I 1948, “manu propri” – Bach and Tedesco; Hauser I 1930 – Weiss and Sor

StringsAugustine Regals

MicrophonesRoyer SF-24, DPA 2006

Recording SystemPro Tools HD2

PreamplifierMillenia HV-3D

MonitoringB&W 804

AmplifierAnthem MCA 20

Recording and Editing SoftwarePro Tools 8 HD

CablesAudioquest King Cobra

Special thanksSergio Abreu, for encouragement and mentorship

AcknowledgementsManuel Barrueco, Elaine Vieira at Unibes, Carlos Novaes, Ricardo Dias, Fabio Zanon, Paulo Martelli, Glauber Rocha, André Perigo, José Francisco Dias da Cruz, Jeff Elliott, Hermann and Kathrin Hauser and Jorge Labanca.