Steven has treated us to the sound of his circa 1805 French guitar, strung with gut strings, giving us a rare glimpse into how 19th Century repertoire may have originally sounded.
Early 19th-century French guitars are typically smaller and lighter than modern classical guitars, with a delicate, transparent tone. Gut strings produce a softer, warmer sound with less sustain but remarkable clarity and intimacy. it is a genuine privilege to hear Steven playing it so beautifully, without nails as gut strings should be.
You can watch and listen to Steven playing 'Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean', arranged by William Foden on his guitar here.
