Variations on a Tarantella by Gaspar Sanz (2013)

Raimund Schächer (b. 1960) — Variations on a Tarantella by Gaspar Sanz (2013) for organ

Gaspar Sanz (1640–1710) was a Spanish musician who is best known today for his three volumes of pedagogical works for the guitar. These volumes were very influential on the development of the later guitar repertory and for gaining historical insight into baroque guitar practice. Sanz’s tarantella is one of the compositions found within his “Instrucción de música sobre la guitarra española” (1674). The work consists of a short chord progression, a rhythm, and the instruction to improvise. The tarantella is in the repertory of many guitarists, who each apply their own personality to its realization. Raimund Schächer’s work adapts the Sanz theme for keyboard (with doublings to mimic the sound of the guitar strings) and then follows it with seven keyboard-style variations in the old manner.

German composer and organist Raimund Schächer (b. 1960) was born in Hersbruck and was educated at the Meistersinger-Konservatorium in Nuremburg and the Academy for Protestant Church Music in Bayreuth. He has served as a church musician in Hersbruck, Pappenheim, Treuchtlingen, and Heidenheim. As a composer, Schächer has written a number of organ, choral, and chamber works. He has also been widely active as an editor of early keyboard music, and his editions have been published by Cornetto, Carus, Pro Organo, and Strube Verlag.

Published by Cornetto-Verlag in “Tarantella” (cornetto-music.de)