Matteo Carcassi

**Matteo Carcassi** (1792–1853) was an Italian classical guitarist, composer, and teacher whose elegant works remain essential for guitar students and performers today. Born in Florence, Carcassi split his career between Italy, Germany, and Paris, where he became a prominent figure in the Romantic guitar scene alongside legends like Fernando Sor. Though he composed operas and chamber music, he’s best remembered for his guitar études—particularly his *25 Études, Op. 60*, which are still drilled into aspiring guitarists’ fingers for their balance of technical challenge and melodic charm. His music often blends Italian lyricism with crisp, structured phrasing, making even his minuets and fantasias feel both disciplined and whimsical.

Fun fact: Carcassi’s guitar method book, *Méthode complète pour la guitare*, was a go-to instructional guide in the 19th century and still pops up in modern editions. While he might not be a household name, his influence echoes in practice rooms worldwide—and those *Op. 60* études? They’re basically the guitar world’s version of piano scales: universally dreaded, universally respected.

Genres

Classical

Contemporary Classical

Opera

Baroque

Chamber Music

Latest Release

Carcassi: Complete Solo Guitar Works, Vol. 2

Matteo Carcassi•

Agustín Maruri

Album - 76 Tracks - Released November 11, 2024