Giacomo Copiello: Rethinking the Guitar, the Human Voice, and Musical Expression

Episode Summary On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Italian classical guitarist and artistic researcher Giacomo Copiello to explore the relationship between technique, musical expression, and the instruments we play. Giacomo shares his journey from rock guitar to classical music and how his studies shaped his approach to performance and interpretation. We discuss the eight-string Brahms Guitar, Paul Galbraith’s innovative vertical playing system, and how changes in posture and technique can open new musical possibilities. Giacomo also talks about his doctoral research at the University of Surrey, where he used performance, transcription, and experimentation to explore the connection between artistic practice and musical discovery. We also explore his fascination with the human voice and how it influences his arrangements of music by Schubert and Mendelssohn. Throughout our conversation, Giacomo offers thoughtful insights into phrasing, interpretation, and the ways musicians can push beyond the traditional limitations of their instruments. Key Takeaways Giacomo’s musical journey began with rock music, electric guitar, and artists like Jimi Hendrix before he discovered classical guitar and the possibilities of polyphonic music. Studying with Stefano Grondona introduced him to historical guitars and helped him understand how different instruments require different approaches to sound production, touch, and interpretation. Paul Galbraith’s vertical playing technique offers a different physical relationship with the guitar, but Giacomo emphasizes that this personal playing system should not be confused with the design or requirements of the eight-string Brahms Guitar itself. Giacomo’s practice-based PhD research at the University of Surrey allowed performance, transcription, and experimentation to generate academic questions rather than simply illustrate predetermined theories. His work with composer Stephen Goss helped him develop a research framework that respected artistic practice as a source of knowledge and discovery. Transcribing music by Schubert and Mendelssohn led Giacomo to explore how breath, vocal phrasing, resonance, and musical continuity can be translated to an instrument whose sound naturally decays. Through new arrangements, contemporary collaborations, and the publication of performance materials, Giacomo hopes to expand the Brahms Guitar repertoire and make the instrument more accessible to other musicians. Music from the Episode Felix Mendelssohn - Lieder ohne Worte, Op. 67 No. 2, MWV U 145: II. Allegro leggiero (Arr. G. Copiello for 2 Guitars)- Giacomo Copiello & Michele Tedesco Franz Schubert - Schwanengesang, D. 957: No. 1, Liebesbotschaft (Arr. for Guitar by Giacomo Copiello)- Giacomo Copiello Franz Schubert - Schwanengesang, D. 957: No. 4, Ständchen (Arr. for Guitar by Giacomo Copiello)- Giacomo Copiello About the Podcast The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast hosted by musician Brad Williams, featuring thoughtful conversations with musicians, songwriters, composers, producers, and other creative artists. Through discussions about musical influences, creative processes, collaboration, and the experiences that shape an artist’s work, the show explores not only how music gets made, but why it matters. Connect with the Show Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Email: [email protected] To learn more about Giacomo Copiello, explore his performances, recordings, research, and arrangements through his official website, YouTube channel, and social media.