Carulli Guitar Concerto Op. 140 for Guitar and String Orchestra

Carulli's Concerto in E minor, Op. 140 was written around 1820 under the title Petit Concerto de société (Little Society Concerto) for exactly the kind of intimate concert it still suits: a gifted guitarist at the centre, with a small ensemble providing support rather than competition. This edition arranges the original orchestral parts for string orchestra, giving the guitar the ensemble context Carulli intended without requiring forces beyond a standard string section.

The solo part is demanding. Carulli's writing is highly idiomatic for the instrument: arpeggios, singing melodic lines, and passage work that lies naturally under the fingers but requires real technical command and the ability to project over an ensemble. At Diploma standard, it calls for a soloist who can shape long Classical phrases with both clarity and confidence.

The string writing sits at a much more accessible level. Carulli keeps the orchestra supportive throughout, with sustained harmonies, clean rhythmic figures, and simple countermelodies that give the guitar space. This makes the concerto genuinely practical for an advanced student guitarist performing with a school or youth string orchestra, as long as the soloist is ready for the demands of the solo part.

At around 13 minutes, it sits naturally as the centrepiece of a recital or chamber concert. Guitar concertos with proper string parts are rare, and Carulli's Petit Concerto fills a real gap.

Check the score and parts preview images above, then watch the complete score video below. They'll give you a clear picture of the engraving quality and overall difficulty before you buy.

Key features

• Instrumentation: Solo Guitar + String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
• Difficulty: Diploma standard (solo part); accessible for competent youth or amateur string ensembles
• Duration: approximately 13 minutes
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Who it's for

This suits conservatoire and university recitals where a Classical guitar concerto with live strings is needed, and professional or semi-professional soloists looking for a characterful vehicle outside the standard repertoire. The accessible string writing also makes it a realistic option for school or community orchestras featuring an advanced student guitarist.