Andrés Segovia, born in Linares, Granada on February
18, 1894 was undoubtedly the most famous classical Spanish
guitarist ever to have lived. At the age of ten, Segovia received
his first guitar and from that moment he never let go of his
prized instrument. When he was twelve, he moved to Cordoba,
where four years later he debuted with his first performance.
Segovia mostly taught himself how to play, practicing diligently
to perfect his style. Over the years he met many influential
figures of classical music who showed him support in his determination
to raise the prestige and social status of the guitar, which
was considered an unrefined, tavern instrument. After many
performances in Spain, Segovia went on to perform in South
America.
From 1920 to 1935 Segovia performed at innumerable concerts
in many large cities around the world, performing in the United
States for the first time in 1928. Every time, he managed
to convert skeptical critics into flabbergasted fans of his
music. It was around this time that Segovia began seeking
more pieces to broaden his repertoire. As there were limited
pieces written for the guitar, he took to transforming famous
music written for other instruments and adapted them to the
guitar. Contemporary composers such as Manuel Ponce, Heitor
Villa-Lobos, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Joaquín
Rodrigo also began writing pieces for the guitar.
In 1936, when the Spanish Civil War broke out, Segovia left
for New York and later moved to Montevideo in Uruguay, where
he remained until the end of the Second World War. He then
returned to the Status but after such a long absence it was
difficult to secure bookings at the beginning. The latest
technological development of the time, the television, helped
Segovia regain popularity as he was able to reach out to a
much wider audience.
During the 50’s and 60’s Segovia had a very successful
run. He performed around 100 concerts a year and released
a further 30 long play records. Segovia also taught at the
famous Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena and thanks to
him, many high schools and music Conservatories have added
guitar study into their curriculums.
On June 3 1987 Segovia passed away in Madrid, leaving behind
his successful career and invaluable contribution to the world
of music. To this day, classical guitarists consider Segovia
a legend whose legacy is to be treasured generations to come.
