Francisco Tárrega was a Spanish guitar maestro and composer, credited as the pioneer of modern classical guitar. His profound influence on 20th-century guitar music is indisputable, as he was instrumental in reviving the guitar as a solo instrument in recital and concerts. Tárrega’s legacy lives on through his compositions of approximately 78 original works and 120 transcriptions for the solo guitar.
Early Life and Education
Born November 21, 1852, in Villarreal, a small town in the province of Castellón, Spain, Tárrega’s journey towards becoming a celebrated musician was fraught with hardships. A near-drowning incident in his childhood led to persistent vision problems, which prompted his family’s move to Castellon. Here, he began his music lessons, with the intention that he could earn a living by playing music if he lost his sight completely.
Ironically, his first music teachers, Eugeni Ruiz and Manuel Gonzalez, were both blind. They introduced young Tárrega to the world of music, and more specifically, the guitar. His natural talent soon caught the attention of concert guitarist Julian Arcas, who encouraged Tárrega’s father to allow him to study in Barcelona.
A New Instrument and a Change of Heart
In Barcelona, Tárrega had his first taste of a quality guitar, crafted by the renowned luthier, Antonio Torres. The superior sound of this instrument struck a chord with Tárrega, and he began to realize the guitar’s vast compositional potential.
Despite the guitar’s dwindling popularity in Europe, where it was often viewed as an inferior instrument to the piano, Tárrega was determined to breathe new life into it. His dedication led him to the Madrid Conservatory in 1874, where he studied composition under Emilio Arrieta.
Arrieta, upon witnessing Tárrega’s prowess with the guitar, convinced him to abandon his piano studies and focus solely on mastering the guitar. From that moment on, Tárrega dedicated himself to promoting the guitar as a credible and versatile instrument.
Career and Compositions
Tárrega’s career as a professional guitarist began in earnest in 1877. He started teaching music and giving regular guitar concerts, earning his living through these avenues. His performances were highly acclaimed, leading to opportunities to perform in Paris and London in 1880.
Despite his growing fame, Tárrega preferred intimate performances over large concert stages. He believed in the guitar’s potential to connect with audiences on a personal level, and his performances often reflected this sentiment.
Tárrega composed music in a style that was unique to him, drawing upon his extensive knowledge of both the guitar and the piano. He transcribed works from piano masters like Beethoven, Chopin, and Mendelssohn, adapting their pieces for the guitar. His compositions, such as the famous Recuerdos de la Alhambra and Danza Mora, reflected his passion for combining traditional classical techniques with Spanish folk elements.
Family Life
In 1881, during a concert tour in Novelda, Tárrega met Maria Rizo, who would later become his wife. After their marriage, they settled in Barcelona, where they would spend the rest of their lives.
Despite the challenges of maintaining a family while pursuing a career in music, Tárrega continued to compose and perform. His music not only provided for his family but also helped elevate the status of the guitar in the world of classical music.
Struggles and Legacy
Tárrega’s career was not without its struggles. In January 1906, he suffered paralysis on his right side. Although he eventually returned to performing, he never fully recovered.
Despite his health issues, Tárrega continued to compose and perform until his death on December 15, 1909. His last work, Oremus, was completed just days before he passed away.
Tárrega’s legacy lives on through his compositions and his profound influence on the world of classical guitar. His dedication to the guitar as a solo instrument and his unique style of playing have inspired countless musicians and continue to shape the world of classical guitar today.