So softly, as it were a breath

‘…so softly, as it were a breath…’

Delicate and decadent in equal measure, the guitar in Victorian London was an instrument of contradictions. While often associated with the fiery sounds of Spain, the instrument easily found its way among the genteel salons in high society.

Catharina Pratten (1824-1895) was a celebrated guitarist and teacher whose efforts kept nurturing a guitar culture in London until the very end of the century. This programme is an homage to her beautiful works, alongside music by other eclectic guitarists from the London scene.