He [Carulli] composed many works such as concertos, quartets, trios, duets, sonatas, etc. but they are still handwritten. (Choron Alexandre, Fayolle François, Vol.1 1810, p.121)

Il [Carulli] à fait beaucoup d’ouvrages, tels que concertos, quatuors, trios, duos, sonates, etc. mais ils sont encore manuscrits.

With this sentence, the short but historically important entry about Ferdinando Carulli in the Dictionnaire Historique Des Musiciens by Alexandre Choron and François Fayolle comes to a close. This research builds upon that foundation, and uncovers and catalogues the manuscript repertoire of Ferdinando Carulli (1770-1841), a renowned Neapolitan guitarist and composer of the Classical and early Romantic periods. Carulli, who achieved great recognition as both a performer and teacher, stands as a pivotal figure in the history of classical guitar. Despite his substantial contributions to the world of classical guitar, a significant portion of Carulli's early repertoire remains exclusively in manuscript form, scattered across various European and American libraries. This study aims to bring to light hitherto unknown manuscripts.

A comprehensive survey of libraries and archives housing Carulli's manuscripts was conducted, leading to the cataloguing of these valuable sources. This research provides an essential resource for scholars, performers, and enthusiasts of classical guitar music.

In addition to the catalogue, the study produced critical editions and video recordings of four Carulli's chamber works, informed by the analysis of published works and newly uncovered manuscripts. These editions adhere to Carulli's style and performance practice, offering a historically informed representation on both period and modern instruments.

The investigation extended to the performance practice of the Galant Style and Classical era, with a focus on the guitar's role in the music of the time. Furthermore, the study also explored the historical context of the period, particularly in Italy (Naples) and France (Paris), with a specific emphasis on Carulli himself.

This research offers a comprehensive understanding of Carulli's manuscript repertoire, enriching our appreciation of his compositions and their significance in the evolution of Classical guitar music. By studying historical context and performance practices of the Galant Style and Classical era, it contributes to the wider understanding of Carulli's place in the musical canon of the time.