Transcribed by Sergio Franqueira
Xosé Chas is one of the most fascinating figures on the guitar scene of the early 20th century in Galicia. He composed an interesting amount of works focused on the classical guitar, and through them, he cultivated a style that delved into the genres of the time, linked to the salon music, as did, for example, Reveriano Soutullo or Juan Montes, to name but a few of the greatest composers of the Galician musical culture. However, Chas’ work is quite special, perhaps, because it was not usual to find this kind of compositions (airs) in the guitar repertoire.
We have to thank the Archivo Municipal del Ayuntamiento de Oleiros, where Xosé Chas’ work is collected, for giving us access to it and permission to reproduce this selection of pieces, and also Xulio Dans García, Xosé Chas’ student, for his selfish devotion to the cause. Xulio, together with some neighbours and collaborators, proceeded to compile and recopy his work in order to create the Archivo Xosé Chas in 1997 to commemorate the death of the composer, to whom they profess a deep respect.
This archive consists of 191 works, none of which were published during his lifetime, unfortunately. The aim of this small collection published by Dos Acordes is to make Chas’ work known on the 75th anniversary of his death. To do so, we have revised and edited each composition with great respect and accuracy.
