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Classical Spanish Guitar - A Short Guide |
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There are a number of theories on the origins of the classical guitar
and it would appear that the instrument as we recognise it today
has taken centuries to evolve from an amalgamation of similar instruments
from around the world. The tanbur of the Hittites, kithara of the
Greeks and cithara of the Romans can all be seen as ancient precursors
for the guitar.
• The Romans brought the cithara to Spain around 400 AD. Following
this the Arabic Ud was introduced to Spain with the arrival of the
Moors. By 1200 AD, the four string guitar had evolved into two types:
the guitarra morisca (Moorish guitar) which had a rounded back,
wide fingerboard and several soundholes, and the guitarra latina
(Latin guitar) which resembled the modern guitar with one soundhole
and a narrower neck. During the 15th century the viheula, a large
plucked instrument with a long neck, and lute were the preferred
instruments of the courts throughout Spain.
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In the early nineteenth century the prolific composer Fernando
Sor (1778-1839) brought the guitar from the depths of obscurity
and enhanced the skill and knowledge of the instrument and those
who play it. The guitar continued to flourish throughout nineteenth
century Spain as the carpenter Antonio de Torres (1817-1892) experimented
with the existing construction and dimensions to create the basic
form of the guitar that exists to this day.
• The first prominent player to use his new design was Francisco
de Tarrega (1852 - 1909) in whose hands the guitar was first treated
as a serious musical instrument to rival those in the established
orchestra.
• The legacy of the classical guitar has been carried forward
and kept very much alive by Miguel Llobet, Andres Segovia, John
Williams, Julian Bream and many more.
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Short Guides from Star - Classical
Spanish Guitar Guide from www.rentspain.com |
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