Fernando: Beethoven of the Guitar: Book I: Youth, Celebrity, and War

by Lou Marinoff

Beethoven of the Guitar portrays the incredible life and enduring legacy of Fernando Sor, the greatest guitarist-composer of his era, and the first to elevate the guitar from the taverns of Spain to the concert halls of Europe. Book I of this trilogy recounts Fernando’s enchanted childhood in Barcelona and Montserrat, his meteoric rise to fame in Madrid, his friendship with Goya, and his patriotic response to Napoleon’s invasion of Iberia.

Beautifully written and meticulously researched … a fascinating account of the amazing life of Fernando Sor, the greatest virtuoso and composer in the history of music for guitar.— Santiago del Rey, Editor and Translator, Barcelona

A magical and wondrous tale, and a treat for the senses, restoring Fernando Sor to his rightful position as a ‘son of Spain’ who took the guitar to unimaginable heights.— Michèle de Gastyne, President, Musique Universelle Arc-en-Ciel, Paris

Both an act of love and an act of homage, this romantic historical novel reveals Marinoff as a spellbinding storyteller. The sheer range of reference is immense; a truly inspiring read.— Colin Clarke, International Classical Music Critic, London

Fernando is a tour de force. So vivid is the style, Marinoff’'s great love and affinity for Sor are evident throughout. Bravo on an engrossing account of this fascinating genius!— Maestro Cesare Civetta, Founder and Music Director, Beethoven Festival Orchestra, New York

All classical guitarists know how important Sor was to their world, but this book goes far beyond that … a most enjoyable and informative read for people from all walks of life.— Peter McCutcheon, Professor of Classical Guitar, The University of Montreal

A delightful embroidering of a history, through a Europe you probably didn’t know much about, with a level of gusto that is unlikely to be equaled. Hats off to Marinoff for this astonishing book!— Jan Narveson, Ph.D., O.C., Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Waterloo, and President, Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society

A rare triumph that combines historical fiction with philosophical romance. Lou Marinoff offers us a virtuoso performance, entwining music, mystery, and metaphysics in a gripping tale.— Makarand R. Paranjape, Ph.D., Professor of English Literature, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla

Marinoff conveys the spirit, manners, and social conditions of a past age with realistic detail and fidelity, framed in beautiful prose … a welcome and exceptional gift.— Juan Carlos Mercado, Ph.D., Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Worker Education, The City College of the City University of New York

Lou Marinoff, Ph.D., is Professor of Philosophy at The City College of New York, and an internationally bestselling author. He publishes scholarly works, popular philosophy books, and fiction.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2021

About the author

Lou Marinoff is Professor of Philosophy at The City College of New York, founding President of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association (APPA), and an internationally bestselling author.