Hirokazu Sato, guitar The Japanese classical guitarist, arranger, and composer Hirokazu Sato (1966–2016) was a prolific figure in Japan’s contemporary guitar repertoire. His work includes solo guitar pieces, ensembles, guitar quartets, and arrangements, and is highly appreciated for its distinctive harmony and melodic sensitivity. In Study I in C major (Allegro), Sato presents a very clear idea: highlighting hidden melodies within flowing arpeggios, while exploring different arpeggio patterns with his own harmonic language. The piece combines freshness with writing that is technically non-trivial, yet musically direct. Although not widely performed, it reflects the voice of one of Japan’s most important guitar composers of the late 20th and early 21st...