This contribution to Naxos's integral archive of Sor's guitar music consists neatly of the last works he published with Meissonnier, before transferring to Pacini. Sets of variations, whether per se or framed in the Fantaisie, Op 30, abound. The 12 Studies, Op 29 are described as 'Book 2', those of Op 6 being 'Book 1', and are here given as Nos 13-24, as they were in the original edition of 1827. Jeffrey McFadden is a very musical player, with the clear and threedimensional tone for which his fingers are admirably suited. No composer for the guitar of the time wrote studies that were more truly expressive than those of Sor; McFadden plays them, and everything else here, with humanity and respect. An outstanding disc.

McFadden plays [Sor’s studies], and everything else here, with humanity and respect, neither mechanically nor with any excess of romantic sweetness. This is an outstanding disc that would be cheap at twice the price.