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. Enchanting Classics: A Selection of Masterpieces for Classical Guitar (Nos. 51–60)
moonlightFernando Sor
Moonlight.
This is a piece by Fernando Sor, sometimes called the Beethoven of the guitar.
Its weighty, quiet character certainly evokes the image of Beethoven’s Moonlight.
It’s a calm piece that feels like a single beam of moonlight emerging from deep, heavy darkness.
Moonlight is recommended for nights when you want to be alone.
Please give it a listen.
Sarabande from Cello Suite No. 6 (unaccompanied)J.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach, a master of Baroque music, also produced a large number of works that have become important repertoire for the modern classical guitar.
Among the guitar arrangements of pieces originally written for instruments other than guitar or lute, many feature distinctive harmonies that cannot be heard on instruments like the violin.
There are also several superb performances of famous cello works arranged for guitar.
ReggaetonMarcelo Coronel
Coronel is a contemporary self-taught guitarist and composer.
He has created many works for classical guitar inspired by Argentine folklore.
Legatón is a piece written for guitar duo, in which the distinctive simplicity of South American folklore and the unique techniques of classical guitar are beautifully fused.
Concerto in DMario Castelnuovo-Tedesco
With the guitar’s soaring popularity, composers finally began writing concertos for this inherently soft instrument.
When it comes to guitar concertos, the Concierto de Aranjuez is the obvious benchmark, but hidden in its shadow, isn’t this piece the true runner-up masterpiece? It became widely known through Andrés Segovia’s performances.
12 Spanish DancesPantaleón Enrique Joaquín Granados
Composed by Granados, “12 Spanish Dances.” The cheerfulness and brightness of Spain are beautifully expressed.
It’s a lovely piece that feels like a trip to a sunflower field.
It’s charming, makes your heart flutter, and makes you want to start dancing.
Highly recommended for children—an excellent work for the whole family to enjoy.
Please give it a listen.
Joviniana No. 1Sergio Assad
The Brazilian guitar duo the Assad Brothers also took the contemporary guitar world by storm.
This piece is dedicated to bossa nova master Antônio Carlos Jobim, unfolding a unique musical world where bossa nova and contemporary guitar blend together.
Petenérade la Maza
Compared to classical music, which is largely confined to major and minor modes, guitar music that incorporates the distinctive rhythms and harmonies rooted in the regional character of Spain has contributed to the modernization of Western music.
This piece employs a composite meter of 6/8 and 3/4, and is a masterpiece with the poise of a folk dance.
Toro mata – Cow killerPerū min’yō
“Toro Mata – The Bull Killer.” You might be wondering, what does “bull killer” mean? It’s the name of a tree that grows in the mountains.
As a Peruvian folk song, it’s a captivating piece that evokes the image of vast open landscapes.
It’s a cool work that might even bring to mind Studio Ghibli’s film Castle in the Sky (Laputa).
Please give it a listen!
Harp and Shadow
This is a piece dedicated to Toru Takemitsu by the Cuban guitarist and composer Leo Brouwer, on the 10th anniversary of Takemitsu’s death.
The Japanese maestro Shin-ichi Fukuda has compiled a collection of Takemitsu’s works, and this piece is performed as one of them.
With a complex timbre reminiscent of a harp being strummed, it may be called difficult and enigmatic, yet it is exquisitely beautiful and serenely moving.
LibertangoAstor Piazzolla
Speaking of “Libertango,” it’s one of the signature pieces by the famed tango composer Astor Piazzolla.
I think just about everyone has heard it at least once.
From the intro it’s passionate, sharp, and undeniably cool.
The singing, lyrical melody line really stirs the heart.
“Libertango” is a fiery piece that’s a joy both to listen to and to play.
Be sure to give it a listen.