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 (41–50)
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.
Sweet, gentle tones and resonance. Enchanting Classics: A Selection of Masterpieces for Classical Guitar (Nos. 51–60)
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.
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.
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.