Francisco Tárrega may have written little, but the works that he did compose have been a cornerstone of every guitar player’s oeuvre since the composer’s death in 1909. Particularly famous is his Recuerdos de la Alhambra, one of the most beautiful pieces ever penned for the guitar, conjuring up vivid images of the palatial grandeur and Mediterranean warmth of Granada in southern Spain. Tárrega had no problem admitting to using other composers as inspiration for his works: Recuerdos was based on a theme by Bizet, and his preludes were inspired by Romantic composers such as Chopin, Schumann and Mendelssohn. Most of all, though, Tárrega is famous for arranging well-loved works for the guitar. He chose an astonishing variety of composers, from J.S. Bach, Haydn and Mozart to Grieg and Wagner, transcribing some of their most popular works in a highly inventive and sympathetic way. This compilation includes a variety of solo guitar music by Tárrrega as well as two CDs’ worth of his transcriptions, showcasing the diverse range of skills the talented composer had at his disposal.
Giulio Tampalini is one of Italy’s leading guitarists. A prizewinner both in Italy and abroad, he has performed with a variety of soloists and ensembles, including a collaboration with the Orchestra of La Scala. His previous Tárrega release, comprising the composer’s complete works (Concerto Editions), was awarded the Golden Guitar at the International Guitar Congress in Alessandria in 2003.
Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909) was one of the most important guitar composers of the 19th century. Many of his works became instantly famous, and have stayed on the repertoire forever.
Tárrega’s works are imbued with the sounds, colours and perfumes of his native country Spain, conjuring up visions of landscapes, festivals and folklore. His most famous piece “Recuerdos de Alhambra” is a perfect example: intimate, sensuous and melodic, its virtuosity in service of the musical expression.
This set presents the complete guitar works by Tárrega, as played by the eminent guitarist Giulio Tampalini, who already made a splendid recording for Brilliant Classics of the complete guitar works by Llobet, to great critical acclaim.
The booklet contains excellent liner notes written by the eminent Angelo Gilardino.
Other information:
Recorded in Italy in 2014.
Contains extensive notes on the composer written by acclaimed composer and guitarist Angelo Gilardino.
Contains a biography of the artist.
