Transcribing from the Baroque Guitar to the Classical Guitar: A Critical Edition of François Campion's (c1685-1747) Sonatina in D Major

The main purpose of this dissertation is to offer a modern transcription and critical edition of François Campion's Sonatina in D Major, found in his Piéces de Guitare du S.r Campion from 1748. Since it is not a common practice for the modern classical guitarist to study the baroque guitar and all its idiosyncrasies, this transcription from French tablature into modern notation will make this piece accessible to all classical guitar players. Using his sonatina as an example, this dissertation covers the process of transcribing baroque guitar French tablature while emphasizing a practical performance approach that suits the classical guitar. This approach includes examining tuning differences, suggested transposed notes, ornamental interpretation, and the overall differences in performance practice between both instruments. Not much is known about Campion's life (c1685-1747), but his importance as a musician in France during the early eighteenth century is evidenced by his publications and his accounts as a theorbo and baroque guitar player for the orchestra of the opera company L'Académie Royale de Musique, for which he was employed from 1703 until 1719. Unfortunately, while this music is fairly known and usually performed by early music specialists, it is ignored by modern guitarists, mainly because of the lack of modern transcriptions. This sonatina serves as an original critical edition adaptation for the classical guitar