Throughout the 20th century Venezuelan composers created a repertoire of guitar works that, with their vivid rhythms, folkloric elements and brilliant colours, captured the country’s musical soul—a process that continues to this day. These elements can be found in the rich lyricism of the folk songs arranged by guitarist Nirse González, in the charm of Inocente Carreño’s suites, or in the sophisticated synthesis of Latin American styles evoked by Federico Ruíz. Ceremonial ritual and use of the joropo dance are expressive features of Pedro Mauricio González’s Tetralogía.