These are not dry exercises. Study No. 8 could be played as an encore at Carnegie Hall. Study No. 19 ( Valsa-Choro ) is so beautiful that listeners often ask, "Who wrote that nocturne?"
Unlike Sor’s Op. 60 (which progresses from easy to difficult), Assad’s 24 Studies are uniformly difficult. They are intended for advanced conservatory students or professionals.
For the classical guitarist raised on a strict diet of European time signatures, the "24 Studies" can be a shock to the system. Assad infuses the collection with the syncopated rhythms of the
For centuries, guitarists have relied on the studies of Sor, Giuliani, and Villa-Lobos to build their foundations. Sergio Assad’s 24 Studies does not seek to replace these, but to expand the player's vocabulary into the 21st century. Sergio Assad 24 Studies
of individual studies (e.g., Study No. 1 or No. 17). Comparison between Assad and Villa-Lobos.
Since their publication by GHA and later editions, the 24 Studies have become staple requirements in conservatories and international competitions. They are widely considered the modern equivalent to Villa-Lobos’ Twelve Etudes .
The set is often structured in a way that mirrors the tradition of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier or Villa-Lobos’s Etudes, presenting a comprehensive cycle that touches on every key and a vast array of technical hurdles. These are not dry exercises
Assad himself has stated that he wanted to write studies that people would actually want to listen to in a recital. He achieves this by refusing to separate "music" from "technique." In his world, a tremolo exercise is not a dry repetition but a lullaby; a scale study becomes a percussive carnival.
: Each of the 24 studies is dedicated to a specific Brazilian composer, paying homage to their unique style and contribution to the instrument. Rhythmic Focus : The set surveys a vast range of Brazilian rhythms , including complex Afro-Brazilian patterns like
: Many of the studies are dedicated to or inspired by other musical giants. For instance, "Nazarethiana" pays tribute to Ernesto Nazareth, the "father of Brazilian music," while "Jobiniana" reflects the lyrical bossa nova influence of Tom Jobim. Study No
: Assad blends his deep knowledge of popular Brazilian music with modern classical techniques and his own experience as a master improviser. This is Classical Guitar Notable Studies
Let's be frank: are brutally difficult. They are not sight-readable. A professional might take six months to a year to perform the entire cycle convincingly.