8 mélodies et airs italiens

Most of the titles listed above, come from a period of song that is associated with bel canto singing. There is a difficult arrangement of «Caro mio ben« in existence already by no less a person than Andrés Segovia, published in 1954, but David Jacques version in C is considerably easier, and just as effective. He suggests using a capo if the written key does not suit. One of Puccini's best known songs from his one act opera Gianni Schicchi «O mio babbino caro« does not sound out of place with a guitar accompaniment the flowing arpeggio patterns complimenting the soaring vocal line of the aria. The songs are mainly for soprano or mezzo-soprano voice. The accompaniments vary in difficulty from Grade 5 and above, there is very little fingering, but occasionally a string number is indicated. There are occasionally some large stretches for the left hand. He lightly scores the accompaniments in a realistic way, which means that the player can move the music along and be more alert to the interpretation the singer is bringing to the music. The grade for the singer is 4 and above. The music is very clearly presented and the bars are of a uniform size, making it easier to read. David Jacques already has an impressive catalogue of published volumes of transcribed music for voice and guitar to his credit. This themed collection was chosen, I think because the songs adapt well to the guitar and lose none of their appeal with the transfer from other musical settings. They have a purity of style and power of expression. In this instance he has chosen songs that are well liked and performed on a regular basis by classically trained singers.
Sandra Hambleton Smith (Classical Guitar Magazine)