Duarte Un Petit Jazz for Flute and Guitar

John W. Duarte (1919–2004) was a renowned British composer, guitarist, and writer. Initially trained as a chemist at Manchester University Faculty of Technology, he transitioned to a full-time music career, captivated by his passion for the guitar and lute. Embracing jazz guitar lessons and collaborations with notable musicians like Terence Usher, he immersed himself in the world of music. He showcased his talent as a jazz trumpet player and double bassist during his early years before focusing on composition.

Having composed over 150 works for guitar and lute, many of which were commissioned and financially supported by the Arts Council of Great Britain, Duarte left a significant artistic legacy. His compositions have been published extensively, with 57 of them commercially recorded by 58 artists and ensembles across 24 countries. Alongside his compositional skills, he demonstrated his skill as an arranger for recorded music and didactic works. Duarte also made notable contributions as an author, interviewer, and reviewer for esteemed publications such as ‘Gramophone,’ ‘Music Teacher,’ and ‘Classical Guitar,’ where he delved into various facets of music, particularly the Baroque genre. His remarkable annotation to the reissue of Segovia’s recordings of 1927–39 earned him a GRAMMY Award.

Duarte’s compositions encompassed various styles, demonstrating his remarkable versatility.