The classical concert guitar and playing techniques we know today,
are a direct result of this humble man's single minded quest to
elevate the guitar to a prominent position in the music world.
Before Andrés Segovia
the classical guitar was not really considered to be a serious
concert instrument. Segovia's interest in the guitar started at
the early age of four when his uncle used to sing songs
tohim while strumming an
imaginary guitar. Luckily for us, there was a luthier nearby and Segovia took
an instant liking to the guitar. Although discouraged by his
family, he continued to pursue his studies of the guitar.
Segovia performed his first concert in Spain at the age of sixteen,
and made his professional debut at the age of twenty in Madrid. His
original program included transcriptions from Tárrega, as well as
his own transcriptions of Bach and others. Many musicians of the
period believed that Segovia would be laughed off of
the stage, because the guitar could not play classical music. In
fact, Segovia astounded the audience. The only problem he had, was
that the guitar could not produce enough sound to fill the hall.
During the following years, Segovia perfected his technique and
encouraged luthiers to experiment with new woods and designs, that could
increase the natural amplification of the guitar. With the advent
of Nylon strings, the guitar could produce more consistent tones,
while also being able to project the sound much farther.
He set a goal for the guitar and himself early in life to bring
Guitar studies to every university in the world, have the guitar
played throughout the world on every major stage and lastly, to
pass on his love of the guitar to generations to follow. He
succeeded in all respects.
Segovia's quest lead him to America in 1928 for his first concert
in New York. Again he overwhelmed the audience with his technique
and musicianship, and converted more dissenters to the classical
guitar. His rousing success in New York led to offers for more
appearances in America and Europe, and a trip to the Orient in
1929. Segovia, and the classical guitar had arrived.
As
Segovia travelled the world, he and the guitar became more and more
popular. Composers such as Heitor Villa-Lobos began to compose
original pieces specifically for the guitar. Segovia had also begun to transpose
music masterpieces
for the guitar. In fact his transcription of Bach's Chaconne, has become one
of the most famous and difficult pieces to master. His
transcription makes the Chaconne seem as if Bach originally
intended it to be played on the guitar instead of the violin. Andrés
Segovia's repertoire was increasing, as was the guitar's. His goal
was becoming a reality. All that was left was the third and final
part of his mission... to pass on the legacy to a new generation.
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