Thirteen Masterpieces Reimagined for the Classical Guitar

This new Schubert collection marks a significant milestone in the evolution of classical guitar repertoire, bringing thirteen of the composer’s most beloved works into the hands of guitarists with unprecedented musical fidelity and expressive depth. At its heart lies a genuine world first: the complete guitar arrangement of Schubert’s Six Moments Musicaux, D. 780, a cornerstone of piano literature now transformed into a cycle of intimate, resonant miniatures perfectly suited to the guitar’s lyrical voice. Each piece - whether contemplative, fiery, or tender - retains its original character while gaining a new warmth and immediacy through the instrument’s natural colours.

Alongside this landmark achievement, the collection includes a refined arrangement of the Impromptu No. 3 in B- flat major (Theme and Variation 1), one of Schubert’s most poetic inspirations, here shaped to highlight the guitar’s capacity for long‑lined melody and delicate harmonic shading.

The set is further enriched by six newly arranged songs, offering guitarists access to some of Schubert’s most iconic lieder in versions that honour both the vocal line and the composer’s harmonic imagination. These include the sparkling charm of Die Forelle (The Trout), the shimmering lyricism of Auf dem Wasser zu singen (Singing on the Water), and three favorites from Die schöne Müllerin—Das Wandern (Roaming), Danksagung an den Bach (Giving Thanks to the Brook), and Ungeduld (Impatience) - each capturing the cycle’s blend of innocence, longing, and youthful urgency.

The collection culminates in a tremolo arrangement of Schubert´s Ave Maria (Originally Ellens dritter Gesang), offering guitarists a new expressive vehicle for one of the composer´s most universally cherished melodies. The tremolo texture allows the line to soar with vocal continuity while the accompaniment glows beneath it, creating a version that is both technically rewarding and emotionally compelling.

Together, these thirteen works form a collection of exceptional breadth and artistic integrity - one that not only expands the classical guitar repertoire but also deepens the instrument’s dialogue with one of music’s most profoundly human voices.

Whether performed individually or as a curated recital program, these arrangements invite guitarists to explore Schubert’s world with fresh colours, new possibilities, and a renewed sense of intimacy.

Contents:

1. Theme and Variation from Impromptu Nº 3 (4 pages of score)
2. Moment Musical Nº 1 (4 pages of score)
3. Moment Musical Nº 2 (7 pages of score)
4. Moment Musical Nº 3 (3 pages of score)
5. Moment Musical Nº 4 (6 pages of score)
6. Moment Musical Nº 5 (4 pages of score)
7. Moment Musical Nº 6 (5 pages of score)
8. The Trout (4 pages of score)
9. Singing on the Water (3 pages of score)
10. Roaming (2 pages of score)
11. Giving Thanks to the Brook (4 pages of score)
12. Impatience (2 pages of score)
13. Ave Maria (tremolo) (5 pages of score)

        Score: 49 pages

        Preface, legend & Performance notes: 17 pages                                                       

Over the coming months, I will be playing short excerpts from all pieces listed in this catalogue on classical guitar myself and post them on my Youtube channel, titled:

Michael De Baker Arrangements for Classical Guitar.

Thanks for tuning in. Wishing you much musical enjoyment and many rewarding hours with our instrument, the classical guitar.

Michael

Contact. If you’d like to reach out - whether about repertoire, arrangements, or upcoming projects - feel free to email me at mdebakerclassicalguitar@use.startmail.com