The Best Music

[dales]

Speaking of guitar performances, we would be remiss by not including the master....

Andres Segovia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9efHwnFA ... re=related

[rubato]

"the" master?

With an instrument as rich and deep as the guitar its hard to think that title makes any sense.

yrs,
rubato

[Gob]

[dales]

"the" master?

With an instrument as rich and deep as the guitar its hard to think that title makes any sense.

yrs,
rubato

From Wiki:

Torres Segovia, 1st Marquess of Salobreña (February 21, 1893 – June 2, 1987[1]), known as Andrés Segovia, was a Spanish classical guitarist from Linares, Jaén, Andalucia, Spain. He is widely considered to be one of the finest classical guitarists of the 20th century - and one of the founders of what we now consider "Classical Guitar"[2][3][4]

[Sean]

one of the finest classical guitarists of the 20th century

Very true, but only "one of" and even then only in a single genre.

For me it is impossible to pick one guitarist as the best. With the various genres, styles etc it's just too subjective. Each to their own 'master'. For me it is Robert Johnson. I'm not saying that he's the greatest, just the one I enjoy listening to above all others.

[Gob]

Too true Sean. Nick Drake for me, but also many others.

[darkblack]

[dales]

Anyone for Leo Kottke?

[Gob]

Anyone for Leo Kottke?

We saw him live in Canberra a couple of years back, Hen asked; "Ok, where are the other guys playing hidden?"

[rubato]

"the" master?

With an instrument as rich and deep as the guitar its hard to think that title makes any sense.

yrs,
rubato

From Wiki:

Torres Segovia, 1st Marquess of Salobreña (February 21, 1893 – June 2, 1987[1]), known as Andrés Segovia, was a Spanish classical guitarist from Linares, Jaén, Andalucia, Spain. He is widely considered to be one of the finest classical guitarists of the 20th century - and one of the founders of what we now consider "Classical Guitar"[2][3][4]

Your own quotes cut you down.

"One of the" this and "One of the" that isn't anything like "the" anything.

[Jarlaxle]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au74rR9lIYQ

Live at Wembley, 1984.

[dales]

"the" master?

With an instrument as rich and deep as the guitar its hard to think that title makes any sense.

yrs,
rubato

From Wiki:

Torres Segovia, 1st Marquess of Salobreña (February 21, 1893 – June 2, 1987[1]), known as Andrés Segovia, was a Spanish classical guitarist from Linares, Jaén, Andalucia, Spain. He is widely considered to be one of the finest classical guitarists of the 20th century - and one of the founders of what we now consider "Classical Guitar"[2][3][4]

Your own quotes cut you down.

"One of the" this and "One of the" that isn't anything like "the" anything.

I see your point, rubato....However for those that ACTUALLY play classical guitar, Segovia is considered to be "the master". He is responsible for bringing in the guitar out of the shadows and into the mainstream realm of classical music.

You don't play classical guitar do you, rubato.

Thought not, otherwise you wouldn't have taken exception to my original post.

[dales]

More info on the late Andres Segovia

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.

[Sean]

I see your point, rubato....However for those that ACTUALLY play classical guitar, Segovia is considered to be "the master". He is responsible for bringing in the guitar out of the shadows and into the mainstream realm of classical music.

You don't play classical guitar do you, rubato.

Thought not, otherwise you wouldn't have taken exception to my original post.

*Puts hand up*

I play Dales and yet I do not consider Segovia to be "The Master". Of course I recognise his role in boosting the image of the guitar as a classical instrument but personally I could name a few classical guitarists who to me are better exponents of the techniques.

As I have previously stated, it's all a matter of personal opinion and preference. To my ear some of Segovia's work appears laboured... whilst technically accurate it lacks the fluidity of movement which I associate with guitarists such as Williams, Bream & Godoy.

Again I stress, this is my opinion. I know that many classical players worship Segovia... just not all of them!

[dales]

Nor do I worship Segovia.

I believe we who play classicial guitar owe him a great debt.

And it because of his efforts, that the instrument has assumed its role on the concert stage.

[Sean]

Sorry Dales, I used the word 'worship' as I felt it justified for someone known as "The Master". No implication was intended for your good self.

For me, it was the sheer simplicity and beauty of John Williams' Cavatina which made me want to learn in the classical style (and to own a guitar with nylon strings!).

[Guinevere]

32 years later Bruce is about to reissue Darkness on the Edge of Town, remastered, with all sorts of amazing extra goodies.

Darkness = The. Best. Album. Ever.



Best song from the best album:

[rubato]

"...

You don't play classical guitar do you, rubato.

Thought not, otherwise you wouldn't have taken exception to my original post.

Apparently I listen to a much broader range of music than you do and I have a wider perspective.


Segovia is famous in a very small fragment of one small part of the whole. And even then only for a short time. All of the legion of masters who came a few years before modern recording techniques have been lost while his good fortune in timing has exaggerated his importance to people who, like yourself, think the world didn't exist until you heard about it.


yrs,
rubato

[dales]

You're right, rubato.

I'll bow to your extensive "knowledge" concerning the classical guitar.

[Gob]