Nocturnal Caprices

There is an interesting story behind the composition of the Nocturnal Caprices that spread over more than 20 years. Whilst I was at the Royal Academy of Music in London, studying with Hans Werner Henze, to whom the piece is dedicated, I was lucky enough not only to be studying with the contemporary composer who has done more than any other for Guitar music, but also to be surrounded by some very talented guitarists. I worked with several of them and wrote quite a few solo pieces, as well as starting this concertante work. For some reason I left the piece incomplete and it turned up from time to time over the intervening years, along with a desire to finish it. Finally, I found the score and sketches a couple of years ago and completed it! I am happy that since completing the piece, several guitar players have commented that they believed the piece to be a fine addition to the concertante repertoire for solo guitarists. Marcus Tristan

Full Score – Parts on hire