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, gentle tones and resonance. A selection of enchanting classical guitar masterpieces (21–30)

Paraguayan Dance No. 1Agustín Barrios

Paraguayan Dance No. 1 (A. Barrios) / Danza Paraguaya No. 1 (A. Barrios)

Paraguayan Dance No. 1Agustín Barrios

Barrios was a guitarist who was even called a magician of the guitar.

He left many wonderful pieces, but among them are works that look simple at first glance yet are difficult to perform.

Even Segovia, the great master, avoided adding some of his pieces to his repertoire; among those is this hidden gem, brimming with a bouncing cheerfulness.

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The following day, Un Día DespuésREY GUERRA

Yasuji Ohagi “The Next Day (Un Día Después)” by Rey Guerra

The following day, Un Día DespuésREY GUERRA

Composed by Rey Guerra, “Un Día Después.” It’s a breathtakingly beautiful piece.

With smooth, gentle guitar tones, it will carry you into a dreamlike world.

It’s also perfect for meditation—a truly soothing track.

A wonderful number to enjoy at night; please give it a listen.

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Spanish Suite No. 1 “Granada”Isaac Albéniz

Ana Vidovic plays Granada by Isaac Albéniz on a classical guitar – guitare classique – classical guitar

Spanish Suite No. 1 “Granada”Isaac Albéniz

In the modern era, in the peripheral regions of classical music, there began to emerge works known as the “national schools,” which incorporated many features of local music.

Albéniz was a composer in Spain who strongly emphasized Spanish character in his works.

“Granada” is a Spanish city, and the piece evokes the intense heat of the Spanish sun.

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Concierto de AranjuezJoaquín Rodrigo

Rodrigo – Concierto de Aranjuez – Petrit Çeku, guitar – Vladimir Kranjčević, conductor

Concierto de AranjuezJoaquín Rodrigo

Composed by Joaquin Rodrigo, the Concierto de Aranjuez.

It’s a bright piece with the charm of lively Latin elements.

The timbres of the guitar blend with trumpet and other brass to create a fantastical work.

The addition of strings partway through is also captivating.

You can almost see a Spanish bullfight unfolding before your eyes.

It’s a wonderful piece that then opens out into cheerful scenery once again.

Please give it a listen.

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Nostalgia ChoroAgustín Pío Barrios

Choro de saudade – Barrios – John Williams

Nostalgia ChoroAgustín Pío Barrios

Composed by Barrios, “Chôro da Saudade.” It’s brimming with lovely, guitar-like melodic lines.

The light, bright melodies—and the moments when a sad yet airy line appears—are uniquely guitar.

It’s thoroughly enjoyable.

This charming, captivating piece is especially recommended for adults.

Please give it a listen.

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A Cuban landscape with ringing bellsLeo Brouwer

Flavio Cucchi plays Leo Brouwer – Paisaje Cubano Con Campanas [AUDIO]

A Cuban landscape with ringing bellsLeo Brouwer

The works of Cuban composer Leo Brouwer revolutionized contemporary classical guitar music and have been included in the repertoires of many distinguished performers.

Brimming with virtuosity, this piece is one of Brouwer’s masterpieces from his return from the avant-garde to hyper-Romanticism.

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The Thief’s SongMiguel Llobet

Classic Guitar Masterpiece: Song of the Thief (Catalan Folk Song, Arr. Llobet)

The Thief’s SongMiguel Llobet

Spain’s Llobet composed a guitar work titled “Catalan Folk Songs,” based on traditional melodies that remain in Spain.

This is No.

2 from the set, in which the distinctive flavor of these surviving folk tunes is superbly transformed into guitar music.

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