Ferdinando Carulli, born on 10 February 1770 in Naples and died on 17 February 1841 in Paris, is regarded as part of the older generation of Italian guitarists. After his initial musical studies and lessons on the cello, he turned to the guitar and went on to become a leading virtuoso and composer for his instrument. In 1808 he settled in Paris, where he spent most of the rest of his life.
Carulli’s extensive body of work comprises several hundred pieces, predominantly for and featuring the guitar. Characteristic features include a song-like melodic style, clear formal structures and an idiomatic treatment of the instrument. In addition to numerous solo and chamber music works, he also devoted himself intensively to guitar teaching. His Méthode complète pour guitare ou lyre, Op. 27, was published around 1810/11 and became widely used. The later, revised teaching method, Op. 241, is dated to around 1825.
This edition brings together a collection of 20 preludes by the composer.
