My latest publication:
Gaspar Sanz (1640 –1710) is the most famous baroque-period guitarist. His works are tuneful and memorable, with fiery cross-rhythms and cascading scale passages. He published three books of guitar music.
The baroque guitar could be viewed as a close relative of the ukulele. Indeed, the two instruments have much in common. The smaller four-course guitar actually had the same tuning as the ukulele, for example, although it was largely double-strung.
Sanz enjoyed playing scales in the campanella style, with the notes of a scale set out on different strings, sonically overlapping slightly in the style of little bells. This is a technique the ukulele excels at, and is used to good effect in these arrangements.
Sanz’ music for baroque guitar transfers exceptionally well to the uke, as these arrangements demonstrate. It is hoped that this repertoire will bring a refreshing addition to the repertoire of the ukulele, just as the little instrument can bring a freshness to these old but lively pieces.
Check it out online here: http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?productid=22128BCDEB
Rob MacKillop ~ Musician 
I’ve bought this collection twice now–as a download and in its more convenient book format. It’s the most fun you can have with a uke–enjoyable and challenging at the same time! Thanks for your efforts Rob, they’re very much appreciated!
Thanks, Brian. I’d like everyone to buy it twice!
Not at all Rob. It’s one of the great uke collections for folks who want to move beyond plunking (not that there’s anything wrong with that…). Are there any more in the pipeline?
There will be four uke books: 20 Progressive Fingerstyle Studies and 20 Spanish Baroque Pieces by Gaspar Sanz – both already out – and 20 Celtic Tunes (Irish and Scots) and 20 Pieces from a 19th-century banjo book – both of which are scheduled for release before Christmas. The pieces in the banjo book are wonderful, and make great uke arrangements. All four books come with a CD.
Cheers,
Rob
That’s my Christmas sorted then!