Barrios

This is something you might not know: I´m passionate about the guitar.

I can´t play it, though I wish I could.

It´s probably the most versatile instrument out there. I yet have to know a musical genre in which a guitar wouldn´t fit perfectly.

It serves both as a solo instrument and also as a faithful accompanist to any instrument or voice.

And, even though I like it in every genre, I have a particular weakness for it as a solo instrument, particularly in classical music.

Today is the birth anniversary of one of the most important composers and performers of the guitar: Agustín Barrios Mangoré.

Born in Paraguay in 1885, he has long been regarded as one of the greatest performers and most prolific composers of the guitar ever. He composed both popular and “classical” (religious) music, of which I´d like to share today one of his most well-known works: La Catedral.

When I was a young teenager, my best friends at the conservatory happened to be studying classical guitar. This magnificent work was one that all of my friends wanted to learn to play, and it was often heard when there was a guitar recital, which was very often. I spent those years immersed in its evocative harmonies.

I´ve included this work as the first track in my classical playlist, which you can access on this link.

Enjoy, and have a great Sunday!

Claudio.