[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 (21–30)
Grand OvertureJason Vieaux
Jason Vieaux, known as a “soulful classical guitarist.” He began studying music at age eight in New York and later entered the Cleveland Institute of Music—what you might call an elite musician’s path.
“Soulful classical guitar” can be hard to picture, especially if you’re new to classical guitar.
But if you compare recordings, you’ll notice he projects more power than many other classical guitarists.
He’s a rare type of classical guitarist, so be sure to check him out!
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!
[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: 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.
Bach: From the Sonata No. 2 for Solo Violin, Movement II: FugueTatyana Ryzhkova
Tatyana Ryzhkova is a guitarist from Belarus.
The piece she is performing is the second movement, Fugue, from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sonata No.
2 in A minor for solo violin, BWV 1003.
The footage is from Weimar, Germany.
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.