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 (41–50)

Arabesque RhapsodyFrancisco Tárrega

José Luis González, Capricho Arabe – Francisco Tarrega

Arabesque RhapsodyFrancisco Tárrega

Composed by Francisco Tárrega, “Capricho Árabe.” As the title suggests, it evokes Arabian imagery—magic carpets and lamps unfurl before you.

Think of it as an adult version of Disney’s Aladdin.

It’s a fantastical piece that I think anyone can enjoy.

Please give it a listen!

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A Fantasia for a Certain Noble DeityJoaquín Rodrigo

Pepe Romero plays Fantasia para un gentilhombre by Joaquin Rodrigo

A Fantasia for a Certain Noble DeityJoaquín Rodrigo

Rodrigo, who wrote the most famous classical guitar concerto, the Concierto de Aranjuez, also composed another splendid concerto: the Fantasía para un gentilhombre.

It incorporates various forms of Spanish dance.

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In Praise of DebussyManuel de Falla

Gabriel Bianco plays Hommage a Debussy by Manuel De Falla

In Praise of DebussyManuel de Falla

Through the triangular trade with the Americas and Africa, Latin music began to blend with the music of Africa and of Central and South America, and this in turn influenced classical music.

Debussy’s adoption of the habanera rhythm from Cuba is well known, but this piece was the one that brought that rhythm into guitar music, marking the starting point of Central and South America’s emergence as a great powerhouse of the guitar.

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Collection of Hymns to the Virgin Mary

Mikio Hoshido – Hymns to the Virgin Mary: Las Cantigas de Santa Maria

Collection of Hymns to the Virgin Mary

It began with Alfonso X in Spain compiling stories about the Virgin Mary.

From over 400 pieces, several short works have been gathered here.

The solemn sound evokes an image of how people of the time might have told these stories—perhaps even on the street.

He is one of the most famous guitarists in Japan and often appeared on television.

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SceneryEmilio Pujol

Paisaje

SceneryEmilio Pujol

Tárrega’s distinguished pupil Pujol also left many wonderful works.

This piece, played with arpeggios even more beautiful than those in “Romance (Forbidden Games),” shifts through various keys, painting in sound a succession of landscapes from central to southern Spain.

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Cinema ParadisoEnnio Morricone

New Cinema Paradise @ Spring Festival in Tokyo 2011 March 25

Cinema ParadisoEnnio Morricone

Ennio Morricone’s work, “Cinema Paradiso.” It’s a piece well-known from the film.

It feels like a collection of different melodies.

It’s a wonderful composition that expresses themes like brightness, tenderness, and sadness.

The impression changes again depending on the instrument—piano, violin, guitar, and so on.

Highly recommended: “Cinema Paradiso.” Please give it a listen.

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moonlightFernando Sor

Moonlight Concerto

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.

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