Andrés Segovia (1893-1987) is considered to be
the father of the modern classical guitar movement by most modern
scholars. Many feel, that without his efforts, the classical guitar
would still be considered a lowly bar instrument, played only by
peasants.
Segovia's quest to elevate the guitar to a prominent position in
the music world, began at the early age of four. His uncle used to
sing songs to him and pretend to strum an imaginary guitar in his
lap. Luckily for us, there was a luthier nearby and Segovia took an
instant liking to the guitar. Although discouraged by his family
(according to them he should play a "real" instrument), he
continued to pursue his studies of the guitar. He set a goal for
the guitar and himself early in life. It was, to bring Guitar
studies to every university in the world, have the guitar played
throughout the world, on every major stage, just as the piano and
violin were, and lastly, to pass on his love of the guitar to
generations to follow. He considered himself to be the messenger
that would complete this impossible quest.
He succeeded in all respects.
Segovia gave his first concert in Spain at the age of sixteen, with
his professional debut at the age of twenty in Madrid. His original
program included transcriptions from Tárrega, as well as his own
transcriptions of Bach and others. Many so called "serious"
musicians believed that Segovia would be laughed off of the stage,
because the guitar could not play classical music. In fact, Segovia
astounded the audience. The only problem he had, was that the
guitar could not produce enough sound to fill the hall. Over the
coming years, Segovia would perfect his technique and push luthiers
to experiment with new woods and designs, that could increase the
natural amplification of the guitar. With the advent of Nylon
strings, the guitar could produce more consistent tones, while also
being able to project the sound much farther.
Segovia's quest lead him to America in 1928 for his first concert
in New York. Again he overwhelmed the audience with his technique
and musicianship, and converted more dissenters to the classical
guitar. His rousing success in New York led to offers for more
appearances in America and Europe, and a trip to the Orient in
1929. Segovia, and the classical guitar had arrived.
As Segovia traveled the world, he and the guitar became more and
more popular. Composers such as Heitor Villa-Lobos began to compose
original pieces specifically for the guitar. With their dark and
melancholy mixture of dissonance and cello-like phrasing,
Villa-Lobos' compositions in particular, seemed to fit the guitar
perfectly. Segovia had also begun to transpose the masterpieces for
the guitar. In fact his transcription of Bach's Chaconne, has
become one of the most famous and difficult pieces to master. His
transcription makes the Chaconne seem as if Bach originally
intended it to be played on the guitar instead of the violin.
Segovia's repertoire was increasing, as was the guitar's. His goal
was becoming a reality. All that was left was the third and final
part of his mission... to pass on the legacy to a new
generation.
Segovia had many students throughout his career. Among the more
famous are Christopher Parkening, John Williams, Elliot Fisk and
Oscar Ghiglia. These students, along with the many others, carry on
Segovia's tradition, while at the same time expanding the classical
guitar's presence, repertoire, and musical boundaries.
Segovia not only taught students himself, he indirectly taught and
influenced thousands and thousands of guitarists world wide. He is
truly the father of the classical guitar.