Degen: Chamber Works

Maruri, Agustín; Jones, Michael Kevin

Danish composer Søffren Degen's greatest contribution to the guitar repertoire is to be found in his original compositions and transcriptions for cello and guitar, the only known major collection of compositions and transcriptions for the two instruments. Soffren Degen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1816. His introduction to music came through his stepfather Andreas Hallager who was a professional composer, conductor and oboe player. Andreas Hallager also had a strong affection for the guitar. Degen gave his first public performance as a 13-year-old student at the conservatory. The young Soffren Degen considered the guitar as his primary study, but the conservatory did not accept the guitar as a serious instrument for students, so Degen was trained as a cellist and composer. Degen’s compositions are well crafted and written in highly romantic style, often program music, and nearly always in a large scale form. This recording marks another collaboration between British cellist Michael Kevin Jones and Spanish guitarist Agustin Maruri, who continue to enjoy a very active concert and recording career both individually and as a duo.

Price: $25.98