Gabriel Bianco Plays Sonata Romántica by Ponce

French classical guitarist Gabriel Bianco performs the first movement Allegro Moderato from Sonata Romántica by Manuel Ponce (1882-1948). Performed from his hometown of Lille, France and performed on a Altamira N500 classical guitar. This comes via Altamira Guitars and their YouTube channel.

Ponce wrote a number of sonatas and suites in imitation of era specific styles. This one was written with the dedication “Hommage a F. Schubert qui aimait la guitare” (Tribute to F. Schubert who loved the guitar). Wonderful performance by Bianco with excellent phrasing, articulations, and expressive musical delivery. There’s so much one can do with this opening movement and I really like Bianco’s pacing and Romantic touches but not without some classical refinement to the motifs and style.