[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 (61–70)
Mendelssohn: From Songs Without Words, Venetian Boat SongIan Watt
Ian Watt is a guitarist from Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
The piece performed is No.
6: Andante sostenuto, “Venetian Boat Song,” from Songs Without Words, Book 1, Op.
19, by the German composer Felix Mendelssohn.
Danzas españolasJose Luis Gonzalez
If you like classical music by Spanish composers, I recommend José Luis González.
He is a classical guitarist said to be a direct heir of Andrés Segovia, inheriting Segovia’s musical DNA in a striking way.
His performances strongly reflect his mood at the moment, and when his feelings align with the piece, the result is nothing short of astonishing.
He is also known as a classical guitarist famed for performing Latin classical music.
MashiishaMaria Esther Guzman
“Mazurca” (or “Maxixe”) composed by Paraguayan guitarist and composer Agustín Barrios.
The maxixe is a Brazilian dance that became popular around the end of the 19th century, particularly in Rio de Janeiro.
Performed by Spanish guitarist María Esther Guzmán.
Bach: From French Suite No. 1 — No. 1, No. 2; and from Cello Suite No. 2 — No. 6 (unaccompanied)Paulo Martelli
Paulo Martelli is a Brazilian guitarist.
His program includes, from Johann Sebastian Bach’s French Suite No.
1, BWV 812: I.
Allemande and III.
Sarabande, and from the Cello Suite No.
2, BWV 1008: VI.
Gigue.
JeegTilman Hoppstock
Gigue from Bach’s Partita No.
1.
The original was written for keyboard.
Performed by Tilman Hoppstock, renowned as a Bach performer and scholar.
He appears to have studied and performs cello in addition to guitar.
La CatedralAgustín Barrios
Agustín Barrios, the classical guitarist whose portrait appears on Paraguayan banknotes, began his full-fledged musical career after graduating from university in 1906.
His exceptional talent quickly made him popular, and he earned high acclaim, especially throughout South America.
Although a 20th-century composer, he was strongly influenced by late Romantic music.
Because he had exceptionally large hands, his pieces are said to be extremely difficult to perform.
MilongaJorge Cardoso
Milonga is a traditional Argentine music genre and dance.
This is a rare video of guitarist-composer Cardoso from Argentina performing his own work.
A versatile musician who also holds a medical license, he plays in a distinctive posture without using a footstool.
Allegro Moderato Op.38, No.23Miguel Llobet
Miguel Llobet, the legendary classical guitarist who studied under Francisco Tárrega.
Among Tárrega’s students, he is said to have been the most outstanding classical guitarist.
His skill was extraordinary, and the depth of his musical interpretations is often described as the greatest in history.
He was also a teacher of the famed Andrés Segovia.
From Francisco Tárrega to Miguel Llobet, from Miguel Llobet to Andrés Segovia, and from Andrés Segovia to guitarists around the world—the lineage passed down through the generations is truly inspiring.
Arcas/Tárrega: Fantasia on Themes from La TraviataSedona Farber
“Sedona Farber” is an American guitarist.
The piece being performed is “Fantasy on Themes from La Traviata” by the Spanish composer and guitarist Julián Arcas and Francisco Tárrega, at Guitar Salon in Santa Monica, California.
Rodrigo: Concierto de AranjuezJessica Kaiser
“Jessica Kaiser” is a German guitarist.
The piece performed is the Concierto de Aranjuez by the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo.
The orchestra is Juventhusias from Swabia, Bavaria, Germany, conducted by Ulrich Graber.
In conclusion
Compared to other guitarists, classical guitarists tend to have higher overall proficiency, with many able to read scores and even perform alongside orchestras. This time, we focused on highlighting performers active in the classical world. Additionally, flamenco guitarists, who are also classical guitar players, possess a level of skill that is a step above the guitarists introduced here. If you’re interested, be sure to check them out as well!