I began learning the music piece known as ‘Cavatina’ on guitar sometime in May 2019. I had already learned how to play it on piano, however getting the hang of it on the six stringed friend is a different kettle of tuna altogether. The notes and timing were sorted in a relatively short space of time, clarity and speed is where the challenge lay.

There is no forgiveness in the world of classical guitar. Any buzzing or lack of clarity is immediately evident as opposed to the world of the strumming guitarist where minor blemishes are not always noticed. And that’s the way I like it.

There are two YouTube recordings of ‘Cavatina’ that I listen to. One is by the online tutor who I learned the piece from and the other is by John Williams when he appeared on the Val Doonican Show many years ago. They are played at different speeds. The former is at 120 bpm (beats per minute), the latter comes in around the 140 mark. I’m currently hovering around 90.

The summit is in sight.