Nicky Sohn
Guitar Concerto No. 1
Duration: 20' (orchestra) | 10' (sinfonietta)
Instrumentation: solo guitar with orchestra or sinfonietta
Guitar Concerto No. 1, Nicky Sohn
for solo guitar and orchestra (2024) 20' OR solo guitar and sinfonietta (2025) 10'
Guitar Concerto has been a dream project for me for years. Bokyung has been one of the most important people in my life for almost a decade. She has not only been a major supporter and advocate of my music but also the musician who introduced me to the beauty of the classical guitar. Guiding me through all of my guitar music, she has been the best collaborator a composer could ask for. When she enters the stage, it feels as if the whole world stops, and only Bokyung and her guitar exist. It is always an absolute joy
and honor to have my music performed by her, and this guitar concerto would not be possible without her.
My focus on this work was singular: to make her shine as a soloist as much as I could. Bokyung has a sparkling, magical tone, and while her technique is flawless, her lyrical playing has the power to move any listener. Based on our past collaborations, I aimed to create something beautiful that also showcases her impressive caliber as one of today's leading guitarists.
The three movements of the concerto each explore different moods, tempi, and atmospheres, all designed to highlight her extraordinary talent. They share recognizable original melodic components that recycle throughout the piece, transforming into different textures and motifs. This process resembles our lives and friendships throughout the years, constantly evolving yet always retaining a core essence.
I would also like to thank the Albany Symphony and Maestro David Alan Miller for trusting both me and Bokyung to pursue our dream project. Their support and belief in our vision have made this concerto possible, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring this work to life with such a wonderful orchestra and conductor.
The concerto has now been adapted, commissioned by Tanglewood, unfolding in two movements: a slow, meditative first movement, and a fast, dynamic second. The version reimagined for sinfonietta, a smaller ensemble that creates a more intimate atmosphere while still preserving the piece's rich depth and vibrancy.
Movements (orchestra)
I. Fast
II. Slow
III. Fast
Movements (sinfonietta)
I. Slow
II. Fast
Instrumentation:
Orchestra: solo guitar; 2 2 2 2 – 2 2 0 0 – timp – str
Sinfonietta: solo piano; 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 1 – 1 perc – str
Orchestral performance parts are available via rental.
Click here for a rental quote.
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About the Work
Duration: 20' (orchestra) | 10' (sinfonietta)
Movements:
Movements (orchestra)
I. Fast
II. Slow
III. Fast
Movements (sinfonietta)
I. Slow
II. Fast
Instrumentation: solo guitar with orchestra or sinfonietta
Commissioned by: Orchestral version was commissioned by the Albany (NY) Symphony Orchestra, written for Bokyung Byun. The sinfonietta adaptation was commissioned by Tanglewood Music Festival.
Pages: 117
