The first decades of the 19th century saw an exceptional flourishing of guitar music, as an important modification in the instrument's structure had occurred in...

The first decades of the 19th century saw an exceptional flourishing of guitar music, as an important modification in the instrument's structure had occurred in the late 1700s: the addition of a sixth string to the five in use up to then. With six strings, the guitar quickly became popular all over Europe, especially Vienna and Paris, thanks to the works of several Italian and Spanish guitarists. Among them was Mauro Giuliani, who was born near Bari, in 1781. Little is known about his training years, but in 1806 he was already an accomplished artist living in Vienna, where had friendly relationships with Beethoven, Hummel and Moscheles. Back in Italy in 1819, he failed to achieve the same success and prematurely died in Naples in 1829. In his works Giuliani skillfully merged the legacy of the Italian 18th-century instrumental tradition with the achievements of the Viennese music culture. His works are in pure classical style, but with a grace and melodic spontaneity that are typically Italian. Christian El Khouri began to study guitar at a young age. After graduating at Milan's "Giuseppe Verdi" Conservatory, he also earned a teacher's diploma which led him to his current role of guitar professor at the "Liceo Musicale P. Secco Suardo" in Bergamo. He has achieved important results as soloist in several Italian and international competitions. Maestro El Khouri's lively performing activity leads him to concertize extensively in Italy and abroad, as soloist as well as a member of ensembles and chamber music orchestras.