Tarrega, Francisco (Bone 1914)

Tarrega, Francisco, born November 29, 1854, at Villareal, Spain, died December 15, 1909, in Barcelona, was a remarkable modern Spanish guitarist. Of humble origin and ceaselessly engaged in struggles against adverse circumstances, he gave to the world the example of a genial personality, an ardent temperament, and an extraordinary intelligence, all of which he devoted with fervent spirit to his instrument, with the noble idea of raising it to the highest category of art. He entered the Madrid Conservatoire of Music where he gained the first prize for composition and harmony, and then commenced his artistic career as a professor of his instrument. He made visits to important continental cities where he obtained artistic triumphs by his remarkable playing, particularly in Paris. Tarrega was honorary member of several important art institutions of his native land, and Spain should be proud in having given to the world its greatest modern guitarist. His genius was equalled only by his modesty, for even in the final stage of his studies he submitted his works to the judgment of his intellectual friends, whose approbation was to him the greatest stimulus for increased efforts, and an illustration of one of these musical seances is reproduced. He taught many players of celebrity, chief of whom are the virtuosi Pujol and Llobet, and his portrait appeared in Milan and various citis of his native land. Among the compositions which he transcribed for the guitar are the works of the greatest masters, and also various modern authors. His original compositions include studies, preludes, scherzos, minuets, and concert fantasias, all of great technical and musical value, particularly his well-known Capriccio Arabe and Le reve. About fifty of these solos for the guitar and several duos for mandolin and piano are published by Rowies, Paris. [Bone Guitar and Mandolin 1914, 294]