When selecting the pieces for this album, I focused on composers whose music has had a significant influence on my playing and on how I understand and interpret music today.

Henry Purcell’s pieces were popular during my studies, making it inevitable that I would record them. Using the collection by Gergely Sárközy, I created a self-made suite of dances chosen for their energy, character, beauty, and contrast. Dávid Pavlovits had a direct influence on my musicality and guitar playing. I feel proud to have recorded several of his works, including Floating Islands, which immediately captured me.

Antal Pusztai is one of my musical role models. I selected two of his compositions for their beauty and sadness. Tears, written for our mutual teacher Ede Roth, is especially important to me. My interest in Villa-Lobos’s music continues with a new 8-string guitar version of Étude No. 11, while Chôros No. 1 remains close to its original form.

I was captivated by Bartók’s folk-inspired music during my studies. His short pieces include profound musical ideas, and I believe the guitar can be an ideal instrument to interpret them. The BWV 1006a Suite has accompanied me since my early years.

For this album, I selected my favorite movements.

– Gergely Szurgyi, guitar