Sweet, gentle tones and resonance: A selection of enchanting classical guitar masterpieces
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!
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Sweet, gentle tones and resonance. A selection of enchanting classical guitar masterpieces (31–40)
choroVilla-Lobos
With samba, bossa nova, and more, modern Brazil is a powerhouse of guitar music, and Heitor Villa-Lobos incorporated the distinctly South American, rhythmically strong musical character into guitar works.
His pieces that draw on Brazil’s folk genre choro connect directly to today’s Brazilian music.
Inner SoundscapeKimura Dai
After winning the Tokyo International Competition at the record-breaking age of 14 and making his CD debut at 17, he has appeared frequently on television and in the media, so many of you may already know him.
He is a major rising star in the Japanese guitar world and already exudes a commanding presence.
He has released many CDs and numerous publications.
The piece is an original composition of his—bright and exhilarating.
Gran JotaFrancisco Tárrega
Many of Tárrega’s works remain an essential part of the classical guitar repertoire today.
His most famous piece is probably “Recuerdos de la Alhambra,” but the lesser-known “Gran Jota” is a large-scale work that combines the distinctive lyricism of the Romantic era with formidable virtuosity.
Spanish DanceEnric Granados
Granados is also counted among the Spanish national school and left numerous masterpieces for guitar.
His works later became one of the foundations of flamenco, and in particular, the Spanish Dances are pieces that strongly express a quintessentially Spanish character.
Fantasia No. 2Fernando Sor
There are people who are little known in other classical genres but are regarded as great composers in the world of classical guitar.
Sor is one of them; alongside Germany’s Bach, he was among those who elevated Spain to a powerhouse of the guitar.
Sor’s Fantasias, written without being confined to strict forms, are not performed as often nowadays, but I consider them hidden masterpieces.
Pavane of TearsJohn Dowland
Dowland, one of the leading composers of English Renaissance music, left many masterpieces for guitar and lute.
Even in the Renaissance era he perfected beautiful inner voices, and the subtly somber quality of his minor keys conveys the distinctive atmosphere of medieval England.
HachisuzumeJulio Salvador Sagreras
Sagreras’s composition, El Colibrí (The Hummingbird).
It’s a very fast, high-energy piece.
“Hachisuzume” refers not to a bee but to a bird.
It’s a cool piece that conjures the image of soaring high in the sky.
Known as a work of dazzling virtuosity, it captivates the audience in an instant.
Highly recommended for guitarists—give it a listen.
Grand SonataNiccolò Paganini
Paganini, synonymous with the genius violinist, was also a guitarist.
This Grand Sonata is a large-scale work in three movements, brimming with the vitality of Romantic music.
Although it was originally written with violin accompaniment, the guitar is the leading voice, and it is often performed as a guitar solo.
FoliosTakemitsu Tōru
Toru Takemitsu, a composer who blends the ancient five-tone scales of Japan with the distinctive colors of Western contemporary music, also left remarkable works for the guitar.
His piece Folios consists of three movements, each with a contrasting structure.
The novelty of its sounds and forms will likely be striking to those unfamiliar with contemporary music.
Night SongBenjamin Britten
Britain produced an unparalleled genius of the guitar in Julian Bream, and this piece was written by Britten for Bream.
It is a highly original work with a new sound, distinct from the Spanish repertoire, German music, and the Romantic tradition.