[Guitar] Famous classical guitarists of the world. Recommended guitarists.
A comprehensive introduction to the world’s famous classical guitarists!
From the greats who laid the foundation of classical guitar to distinctive players known for their unconventional performances, we’ve picked a wide range.
Compared to genres like rock or blues, the classical guitar world is often said to have many exceptionally skilled guitarists.
This time, we’ve selected world-famous guitarists with truly top-tier abilities!
We’re also introducing lesser-known guitarists who enjoy strong support abroad but are still relatively unknown in Japan.
If you love classical guitar, this is a must-see!
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[Guitar] Famous Classical Guitarists of the World: Recommended Guitarists (31–40)
OdeonCarlos Barbosa-Lima
Ernesto Nazareth’s piece “Odeon,” by the Brazilian composer.
Although he is famous as a composer of choro, there also seems to be an influence from Chopin.
The original is for piano.
Performed here by fellow Brazilian guitarist Carlos Barbosa-Lima.
From Sonata Romantica: Movements II and IIIOscar Ghiglia
Sonata Romantica was composed by the Mexican composer Ponce as a tribute to Schubert.
The performer, Oscar Ghiglia, is a maestro from Italy who grew up in an artistic environment with a painter father and a pianist mother.
He is also renowned worldwide as an educator.
Bach: Air on the G StringPer-Olov Kindgren
Per-Olov Kindgren, a Swedish classical guitarist born in Colombia in 1956, has a wide-ranging repertoire from Bach to the Beatles and considers the classical guitar’s tone to be the most beautiful.
He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen from 1976 and later worked as a music teacher.
He has given over 400 concerts and released the album “After Silence” in 2008.
Kindgren’s music follows a unique philosophy: it begins in silence and returns to silence.
His performances, which reflect a deep affection for the sound of the classical guitar, are recommended for those who value introspection and emotional expression.
Spanish RomanceChristopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening is a classical guitarist who gained popularity in the United States.
He is one of Andrés Segovia’s students.
He has adapted the so-called Segovia-style sound in his own way.
He’s a highly distinctive classical guitarist—some listeners may not take to him, but he is generally loved by many.
He has a very commanding presence.
His tone is filled with a sense of melancholy; rather than being austere, it feels sexy and somewhat sorrowful.
ChaconneEliot Fisk
Eliot Fisk, a classical guitarist from Philadelphia who studied guitar under such illustrious classical guitarists as Oscar Ghiglia, Alirio Díaz, and Andrés Segovia, is well-known for his deep admiration for Segovia.
His performances are strongly influenced by Segovia, and some pieces may even remind you of the maestro in his younger days.
Be sure to check him out.
Bach: From the Sonata No. 1 for Solo Violin, Movement II: FuguePetrit Çeku
Petrit Çeku is a guitarist from Prizren, Kosovo.
He performs the second movement, Fugue (Allegro), from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sonata No.
1 in G minor for solo violin, BWV 1001, in Zagreb, Croatia.
Bach: From the Cello Suite No. 2 in G minor, BWV 1008, Movement IV (Unaccompanied)Isabella Selder
Isabella Selder is a guitarist from Friedberg, Bavaria, Germany.
She performs the fourth movement, Sarabande, from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cello Suite No.
2, BWV 1008.
In the video, she alternates between four different guitars.
Dvořák: From Symphony No. 9, Movement IJorge Caballero
Jorge Caballero is a guitarist from Lima, Peru.
The piece performed is from Czech composer Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No.
9, Movement I: Adagio – Allegro molto.
The performance took place in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Seis por DerechoAlirio Diaz
Alirio Díaz, a student of the great classical guitarist Andrés Segovia.
Numerous renowned composers, including the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo, provided pieces for Alirio Díaz.
If composers themselves were offering him works, his talent is beyond question.
He is surely one of the disciples who most strongly carries Segovia’s legacy.
His sound, which blends Baroque music with Latin music, is not to be missed!
Bach: From the Partita No. 2 for Solo Violin, Movement IV: GigueIvan Petricevic
Ivan Petricevic is a guitarist from Belgrade, Serbia (former Yugoslavia).
The piece performed is the fourth movement, Gigue, from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Partita No.
2 in D minor, BWV 1004, for solo violin.