Guitare Biguine is a slightly tongue-in-cheek witty solo from the pen of the French composer Claude Engel, a composer who has collaborated with such as Charles Aznavour, Serge Gainsbourg and Astor Piazzolla.
To bring out the true intentions of the composer and create an authentic stylistic performance, the player will need to follow very closely all the accentuation and staccato markings, otherwise this piece just falls flat. If these markings are observed though, the tuneful and rhythmic Guitare Biguine could be an amusing insertion into the recital programme list, perhaps as an encore.
There is an optional two-page Cadenza which includes an ad lib section where the player could show off his/her improvisatory skills.
The presentation is clear but the edition does have three unavoidable page turns. Grading: due to several awkward left hand stretches it is around the Grade 6 marking.
(Steve Marsh, Classical Guitar, 4/2001)
