It was toward the end of 2017, and this was my first time performing after not coming back to Vietnam for one year. I have always like playing Sor, and this piece would be one of my all-time favorites. I definitely experienced stage fright that night, but it was a value exposure. I also played two other encore pieces by Agustin Barrios, Julia Floria and La Catedral, but unfortunately they were not recorded.
The theme was taken from an opera by Mozart called The Magic Flute or Die Zauberflöte. However, it can be easily missed when listening to the opera for the first time, since Sor made numerous changes to the guitar version. The Wikipedia page shall greatly help.
The Introduction starts in the key of E minor. Many people disagree with the inclusion of the introduction, as John Williams and Andrés Sogovia did not played the introduction; I, however, played for completion. The Theme now modulates to E major, simple (to set up for variations), nimble and very Mozart-like. Variation 1 is even more energetic, with fast slurs and shifts, but still maintains the theme quite clear. Variation 2 sets the tone to E minor, neutralize the emotions of the piece. Variation 3, now back to E major, is well-structure and relaxed. Variation 4 involves the alternating between two (almost) separate voices, and is strict in terms of structure and rhythm. Variation 5 is quite technical, with the increasing momentum in order to set the scene for the dramatic and orchestral Finale. Unquestionably guaranteed a fun piece to play any time.