La vagabonde

Set in C minor, the key signature probably strikes terror into the heart of many intermediate players, but this irrational fear of flat notes will soon vanish when the gloriously lush textures of some of the rarer chords in the world of guitar land on the eardrum and soothe it with a warmth and softness that the sharp keys just cannot provide.
The opening has simple chords and harmonics over a static C (the addition of a contra guitar here, as suggested in the footnote, would add a gentle majesty and a stunning depth). Equally stunning is the entry of a plaintive melody, supported by broken chords and some slow, high notes, The word «haunting« is much over-used, but this really is a sad, haunting tune and the beautiful chords add a poignancy to it that is gentle, compelling and quite, quite powerful. The tune weaves in a lyrical way, and the chords beneath it almost glow with warmth and gentleness. But this isn't the end of the magic as the tune moves into the major and then moves again, this time with an effortless evolution from C to E, all the while weaving a mystical spell of gentle movement with that hint of sadness. It cannot be happenstance that whatever the key, Mr Piris find easy harmonies that ring like a monastery bell behind the tune. No, this is nothing less than a beautifully crafted piece of work.
There are some minor handfuls here and there, but the piece is accessible to players around Grade five or six, The slow pace and long notes will require a rounded tone and the ensemble will need to be relaxed and sympathetic to the music. This is not a piece that will impress an audience with its flamboyance, it is a piece that, if played gently and with compassion, will leave the audience in total silence at its peaceful conclusion.
Derek Hasted (Classical Guitar)