Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909); ESP

Francisco Tárrega (1852–1909) was a Spanish guitarist, composer, and teacher born in Villarreal. He studied at the Madrid Conservatory and developed an international career as a guitarist, appearing in Spain and elsewhere in Europe. His playing and teaching helped establish principles of modern classical-guitar technique at a time when the instrument occupied a relatively marginal position in concert life. Among his pupils were Emilio Pujol and Miguel Llobet, who carried his influence into the twentieth century.

Tárrega composed numerous preludes, studies, dances, and character pieces for guitar and also made influential transcriptions of works by composers including Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Albéniz. His best-known original works include Recuerdos de la Alhambra, Capricho árabe, Lágrima, and Adelita. His lyrical writing, refined sonority, and technical innovations helped shape the modern guitar repertory and contributed decisively to the instrument’s revival as a classical concert medium.

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Read biography at allmusic.com.