Ferdinand Carulli (1770-1841)
Ferdinand Carulli - italian guitarist, pedagogue and composer, born in Naples. Primary learned to play the violoncello. Learning to play the guitar without assistance, become a professional guitarist. Beautiful tone, purity and rapidity of the play ensured him success in Naples, then in Paris, where he was favourite of salons.
Carulli settled down in Paris from 1818. Being the best guitarist of that time, he shared first place with Matteo Carcassi till Ferdinand Sor's return.
Prominent pedagogue and brilliant performer, Carulli published near 300 compositions: pieces for the guitar solo, concerts for the guitar with the orchestra, chamber compositions, which are notable for high instrumental and technical skill.
Two of his theoretical works were widely recognized "School of lyre or guitar playing" (1810) and a research devoted to the accompaniment "Harmony applied to guitar" (1825). Carulli's "School" received special popularity: it was at once published 5 times and issued many times after author's death.
During his life F. Carulli wrote more than 400 compositions for the guitar. Among them "A small concert for the guitar with the orchestra", chamber compositions with the guitar, sonatas, duets, etudes and other things.
