The publication of a facsimile edition of Napoléon Coste’s complete works in the 1980s brought the composer-guitarist’s name before the public after decades of neglect. A student of Sor, he was the most eminent French guitarist of the 19th century and a creative innovator. Fantaisie symphonique shows the range of his ambition with its quasi-orchestral textures, swift mood changes and virtuoso flourishes. Le Départ is one his most popular extended pieces, full of liquid transitions. The other works demonstrate the variety of his art – the multitude of techniques employed, his mastery of texture and attractive intricacy.

2023 is the 140th anniversary of the death of Napoléon Coste.

Vietnamese guitarist An Tran has been praised for his ‘subtle, graceful virtuosity’ by The Boston Globe and was included as one of the 10 Rising Stars of Classical Guitar by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. He has won over twelve international awards and competitions including the Berlin International Guitar Competition, New Orleans International Guitar Competition, and the Society of American Musicians Guitar Competition. His debut album, Stay, My Beloved, was named one of the Recordings of the Year by The Chicago Tribune.

In recent seasons he has performed on major international stages including Guitar Society of Toronto’s International Artist Series, Bangkok Guitar Society, Saigon International Guitar Festival, Segovia Classical Guitar Series and the New Orleans International Guitar Festival.

‘No question, this is one of the loveliest discs in Naxos’ burgeoning guitar collection. Buy it.’ wrote Fanfare on the fourth volume of this series (8554354).