Before Andres Segovia the Classical Guitar was considered to be an instrument of the common folk. It was limited to small venues and taverns in its play and was rarely heard on the larger stage and in front of large audiences. There were several reasons for this. First there was no real virtuoso of the instrument. Second the guitar itself was not suited to playing in large venues because of volume and tone limitations. And third there was no solid repertoire of classical music for the classical guitarist to play.

Photo of Andres Segovia Playing Guitar

Andres Segovia Changed all this He identified and corrected all three of these shortcomings in the classical guitar and brought it to its rightful place in the world of classical music as an instrument of tremendous range and virtuosity. .

Segovia the Player: As a classical guitarist he is considered to be the best of the best and upon listening to his works you can hear the brilliance with which he plays and part of this is due to his unique right handed technique. For centuries the debate had raged about whether a guitarist should play with the fingernails or the fingerpads of the right hand. And there is much to be said for each opinion. But Segovia blended these two styles and played with a combination of nail and pad. This gave his playing a unique timbre and tone.

Segovia the Champion of the Guitar: He was also devoted to the instrument in other ways and long realizing the guitars inability to play in front of larger audiences he worked with Luthiers to design a better classical guitar. And he is credited with helping to bring the classical guitar to its current shape and tone. Having helped with the design, shape and wood selections.

Segovia the Classical Musician: This was the final piece of the puzzle. The piece that brought the guitar into its acceptance in classical music circles. He worked tirelessly to transcribe and interpret traditional. classical guitar pieces. His tireless promotion of the guitar and his virtuoso playing and touring also brought other greats of music into the world of classical guitar and many composers created new pieces of classical music either for the solo instrument or for ensemble with guitar.

Andres Segovia was a tireless promoter and lover of the classical guitar and he had a vision of bringing the guitar to its rightful place in the world of classical music. His lifelong pursuit of this ambition was fully realized and we, as fans are the recipients of his ambition. Today, the classical guitar is a respected instrument that is studied in the finest institutions and played by many masters who follow in Segovia's footsteps.

About Andres Segovia 1893 - 1987

• Born in Linares, Spain
• Began Playing at the age of 4
• His first public debut at the age of 15
• Studied at the Granada Musical Institure
• First USA Tour in 1928
• Ennobled by the King of Spain in 1981
• Biography - Segovia, Andres (1893-1987): An article from: Contemporary Authors
• Andres Segovia - 20 Studies for the Guitar: Book/CD Pack This is the work that launched Segovia into superstardom. It is the transcription of 20 works by Fernando Sor to the classical guitar and it is a staple of practically every teacher of serious classical guitar. If you are a self-taught classical guitarist like the Maestro was you should add this collection of studies to your repertoire. It comes with a 50 minute CD.

Looking for Some Sheet Music Arranged by Segovia?

The Classical Guitar: Its Evolution, Players and Personalities Since 1800 (Book)

We proudly present the fifth edition of Maurice J. Summerfield's highly acclaimed ultimate reference book on the classical guitar. This brand new book features all the original biographical entries updated with new photographs where applicable, plus 100 new biographical entries in the players, composers and makers section - for a total of over 485. This new edition gives the reader a full and clear picture of the classical guitar's development since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Also included are informative sections on composers, scholars, flamenco guitarists and guitar makers. The book's collection of several hundred photographs is the most complete to be published in one volume. There are extensive listings of the most important classical guitar recordings. The final section, Sources of Supply, guides readers to where they can obtain the books, recordings, music and magazines listed in the book. Without a doubt, this new edition will be the essential work of reference on the subject of classical guitar for years to come!"My sincere congratulations to Maurice Summerfield."- Andres Segovia

DVD-The Segovia Style-Classical Guitar Of The Maestro

This instructional DVD takes us to the heart of the music of the great Andres Segovia. Eliot Fisk, a protegé of Segovia and a master of classical guitar in his own right, has put together a lesson that is filled with invaluable advice and powerful insights into the timeless Segovia legacy.