Napoléon Coste was born in France in 1805, and was first taught the guitar by his mother. He was so gifted that as a teenager he established himself as a teacher of the instrument. When he was 24 he moved to Paris, where his brilliant technique placed him among the great guitarists of his generation. Sadly an accident to his arm cut short his career at the age of 57, though he was to live a further 20 years.

Coste’s music was intended to give instant pleasure, uncomplicated for the listener, the works providing adequate scope for performers to display their technique. He displayed great versatility when writing in the musical styles of others, and devised works of considerable charm.