Werkverzeichnis
Wikipedia deutsch
Rischel & Birket-Smith’s Collection of guitar music 1 Det Kongelige Bibliotek, Denmark
Boije Collection The Music Library of Sweden
Free Scores for Guitar by Ferdinando Carulli fingered by Eythor Thorlaksson
Free scores by Ferdinando Carulli at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)
Deutsche Carulli Webseite
Guitar Pro Files:

erdinando Maria Meinrado Rosario Carulli (February 10, 1770 – February 17, 1841) was a preeminent Italian composer and virtuoso guitarist of the early Romantic era.

🇮🇹 Early Life and Self-Taught Mastery

Birth: Born in Naples into a musical family; his father was a distinguished litterateur.
Initial Training: He began his musical journey studying the cello, but quickly transitioned to the guitar in his early twenties.
Self-Instruction: Since no professional guitar teachers existed in Naples at the time, he developed his own revolutionary technique and pedagogical system through rigorous self-study.
Innovation: He was among the first to adopt and master the six-string guitar, which eventually replaced the traditional five-course instrument.

🇫🇷 The Paris Years (1808–1841)

Success in the Capital: Carulli moved to Paris in 1808, where the guitar was experiencing a massive surge in popularity known as “Guitaromanie.”
Musical Authority: He became the city’s most respected performer and teacher, counting members of the French nobility among his students.
Prolific Output: During his time in Paris, he published the vast majority of his over 400 works, ranging from simple exercises to complex concertos.

🎼 Major Works and Pedagogical Legacy

Carulli’s contributions were fundamental to the development of modern guitar playing.

Méthode complète (Op. 27): Published in 1810, this is one of the most successful guitar methods in history and is still used by students today.
Chamber Music: He was a master of the Guitar Duo and wrote extensively for guitar in combination with piano, violin, and flute.
The “Decacorde”: In collaboration with luthier René Lacote, he helped develop the ten-string guitar, illustrating his lifelong interest in the instrument’s technical evolution.

✨ Historical Significance

Death: He passed away in Paris on February 17, 1841, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence guitarists worldwide.

Style: His compositions represent the bridge between the Classical elegance of the late 18th century and the Romantic lyricism of the 19th century.

Educational Impact: By providing a structured curriculum, he helped legitimize the guitar as a formal concert instrument.