Overview

The Rondos for Guitar and Piano, Nos. 1 and 2, Op. 68 are duo compositions by the Italian composer and guitarist Mauro Giuliani (1781–1829). These chamber music works primarily focus on the dialogue between two distinct instruments: guitar and piano. No. 1 is written in A major, and No. 2 in B minor. Both pieces adhere to the rondo form, but they are positioned more as salon-style works combining brilliance and technicality rather than having a clear musical structure. Their composition is estimated to be around 1817, forming part of Giuliani's creative activities during his stay in Vienna.

Historical Background

In the late 1810s, Vienna experienced a period of cultural revival alongside peace after the Napoleonic Wars, and guitar music became highly popular with the development of salon culture. Giuliani was at the center of this trend, actively incorporating the guitar into all areas: solo, accompaniment, and chamber music. Giuliani carefully considered the range and role of both instruments, devising ways to create a concertante relationship. The Op. 68 Rondos emerged from this background, exuding a charm akin to an improvisational dialogue between performers.

Musical Significance

The Rondos for Guitar and Piano, Op. 68, are significant works for expanding the possibilities of guitar chamber music. Particularly, the contrasting characters of the cheerful A major in No. 1 and the deeply emotional B minor in No. 2 demonstrate the breadth of Giuliani's expressive range. Although rarely performed in contemporary concerts, these works are expected to be re-evaluated in both performance and research for exploring the ensemble of guitar and keyboard instruments.