Scope and Content Note
The collection consists almost entirely of manuscripts, most of which are in the hands of copyists, although the pieces dedicated to Lord Saltoun may be autograph manuscripts. There are approximately sixty compositions in the collection, including many arrangements and original works for guitar in various ensemble settings, several pieces for solo guitar, and a few short piano pieces. Stylistically, much of the collection reflects an early 19th-century affinity for music that was light-hearted, entertaining, and not too difficult for amateur musicians to play--a style sometimes called "salon music." The works for solo guitar have a somewhat more serious character than the chamber pieces, being written in standard classical forms and making more technical demands on the guitarist. Ferdinando Carulli (1770-1841) is particularly well-represented, as he wrote some of the most charming and attractive salon-type chamber music in the guitar repertoire. In addition to the many pieces for guitar with other instruments, there are also a number of pieces for guitar and voice, including a song by Domenico Cimarosa (1749-1801). The only extended pieces for solo guitar in the collection are by the Spanish guitarist Fernando Sor (1778-1839). Several pieces are arranged by John Ella. Other composers represented in the collection include Leonard von Call (1767-1815), Domenico Giorgis (dates unknown), Luigi Legnani (1790-1877), François Molino (1768-1847), and Nicolò Paganini (1782-1840).