The Idiophonic Guitar: A Taxonomy and Performance Guide to Percussive Effects in the Classical Guitar’s Solo Repertoire. A Portfolio of Recordings and Exegesis

Abstract

The sound-world of the classical guitar has become increasingly enriched by percussive effects. This is exemplified in the solo classical guitar repertoire that this performance-based study examines. Drawing on Robert Bell’s definition of percussion and the Hornbostel-Sachs instrument classification system, a new taxonomy is devised to identify and categorise classical guitar sounds that are more commonly associated with idiophone instruments. An integrated performance guide addresses technical, musical and other associated challenges to assist performers and composers in attaining a clearer understanding of the idiophonic guitar in performance. The outcome of this project contains two 60-minute recitals and an accompanying 7500-word exegesis.