Lovely classics

Sweet, gentle tones and resonance: A selection of enchanting classical guitar masterpieces

Graduated from a music school / 21 years of piano experiencesatomi
I began playing the piano at the age of four and spent six years at a conservatory, focusing mainly on classical music while honing my skills. In addition to solo performance, I studied extensively in chamber music and two-piano repertoire, and I had the opportunity to perform twice on stage as a soloist in piano concertos. While not to the same extent as classical, I also learned jazz and pop through practical performance. I was active as a pianist in various settings, including instrumental and vocal/choral accompaniment, performance assistance for other departments, and recording sessions. Beyond the piano, I devoted five years to the trombone in a wind ensemble. I hope to draw on these experiences to share the charm of music with many people.
Piano-playing singer-songwriter / Executive Committee Member, Special Music Festival in Rinku OsakaHousui Sachiyo
I learned to hit the keys on a toy piano, started Electone lessons at six, and began piano at ten. I loved the piano so much that I declared, “I want to go to a music college!” and from junior high I studied vocal music, ear training, and music theory (though I never even took the entrance exam in the end). In my childhood, my saxophone-playing father introduced me to jazz, and my mother to rockabilly. I was utterly obsessed with classical music in junior high. In high school, my grandmother took me to hear live tango performances, and before I knew it I’d become an eclectic listener. Lately, influenced by my high-school-aged daughter, I’ve been listening to koto music and nagauta. I hold the rather rare qualification of ‘Music Proficiency Test Level 3, Western Music track.’

When people hear “guitar,” many probably picture an acoustic or electric guitar, but just as classical music forms the foundation of contemporary music, classical guitar is indispensable when talking about string instruments.

That said, for those who aren’t sure where to start listening, we’ve gathered beloved masterpieces from around the world—from gentle, soothing pieces to dazzling virtuoso works.

Please enjoy the classical guitar’s sweet, mellow timbre and its rich, resonant sound!

Sweet and gentle tones and resonance. A selection of enchanting classical guitar masterpieces (61–70)

TangoFrancisco Tárrega

Tango by Francisco Tarrega

TangoFrancisco Tárrega

“Tango” is a piece by the guitarist Francisco Tárrega.

It’s a gentle composition that makes full use of tango rhythm.

With a poignant, wistful melody intersecting with a bright, cheerful one, it’s an emotional and beautiful piece that can make you feel like a gypsy.

It’s the kind of music you’d want to listen to in the shade of a tree in Spain.

Please give it a listen.

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The Miller’s Dance from the ballet music The Three-Cornered HatManuel de Falla

Dance of the Miller from the ballet The Three-Cornered Hat / Sato Takahashi

The Miller’s Dance from the ballet music The Three-Cornered HatManuel de Falla

Watch “The Miller’s Dance from the ballet music The Three-Cornered Hat by Manuel de Falla” on YouTube

The “Miller’s Dance” from the ballet The Three-Cornered Hat.

The composer is the Spaniard Manuel de Falla.

Although it’s ballet music, as you’d expect from a Spanish composer, it conjures a passionate, sun-drenched image.

It’s a cool piece.

If you can play it on guitar, you’ll surely turn heads.

A fiery piece especially recommended for men.

Give it a listen.

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Etude No. 20Matteo Carcassi

Matteo Carcassi Etude 20 from 25 Etudes op. 60 played by Patrik Kleemola

Etude No. 20Matteo Carcassi

The guitar method written by the Italian guitarist and composer Matteo Carcassi remains the most widely used textbook in the classical guitar world today.

Carcassi composed a set of 25 études, and in the latter half they go far beyond mere practice pieces, showcasing remarkably sophisticated technique.

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TientoMaurice Ohana

Justyna Sobczak plays Tiento by Maurice Ohana

TientoMaurice Ohana

Oana was born in Brazil but lives in France, and this combination gives rise to a distinctive style in her music.

Tiento is the name of a musical form, but within this form Oana creates new harmonies and unique structures, blending contemporary music with folk traditions.

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Venezuelan SuiteAntonio Lauro

Antonio Lauro Suite Venezolana

Venezuelan SuiteAntonio Lauro

Lauro is a Venezuelan composer.

Venezuela is a country where various ethnic groups intermingle, and in this piece, music with a clear sense of tonality and a distinctive, mysterious scale intersect over a uniquely African rhythm.

In this way, contemporary South American guitar music—far from simple—takes shape.

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In conclusion

The classical guitar’s moist, sweet tone and its deep, gentle resonance—did you get to fully savor their charm? There are many other masterpieces that suit the classical guitar perfectly, so please give them a listen.

I’m sure you’ll find a new favorite piece!