Throughout the 20th century Venezuelan composers created a repertoire of guitar works that, with their vivid rhythms, folkloric elements and brilliant colors, captured the country’s...

Throughout the 20th century Venezuelan composers created a repertoire of guitar works that, with their vivid rhythms, folkloric elements and brilliant colors, captured the country’s musical soul- a process that continues to this day. These elements can be found in the rich lyricism of the folk songs arranged by guitarist Nirse Gonzalez, in the charm of Inocente Carreno’s suites, or in the sophisticated synthesis of Latin American styles evoked by Federico Ruiz. Ceremonial ritual and use of the jaropo dance are expressive features of Pedro Mauricio Gonzalez’s Tetralogia.