Vila-real Index
Francisco Tárrega (Vila-real 1852-Barcelona 1909)
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Spanish Guitar player and composer.

Francisco Tarrega
Francisco Tarrega-Eixea was born in Vila-real. His home still preserved is located beside the Saint Pascual Baylon's Church. He was so exceptional for his time that even some guitar artists today don't know him as a classic. 
He did his musical studies in Castellon, Valencia and Madrid, creating many original compositions that even today are easily understandable. Recognised as the leader of the modern Spanish guitar movement, he played in many European cities, expanding the guitar as an expressive and modern instrument.
Even top pop artists have versioned Tarrega's compositions, as Mike Oldfield's version of "Recuerdos de la Alhambra".
Some of his most relevant masterpieces are: He also did several adaptations for guitar based on compositions from Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, Chopin, Schumman, and others. He had several pupils that learned his techniques and ensured the continuity and evolution of the guitar for today's people joy. He died in Barcelona at the age of 57, being its remains moved to Castellón's cemetery, where his tomb can be visited. In the Vila-real's City Museum, part of his legacy is shown.

The International Guitar Contest Francisco Tarrega

The first week of September, the International Guitar Contest with his name -Festival Internacional de Guitarra Francisco Tarrega- is celebrated as every summer in Benicassim, touristic village on the coast, 20 Km. to the North of Vila-real. Players from all over the world come to show their ability with the instrument. Some of the obligatory pieces must be Tarrega's compositions. The prizes are economically substantious, being in 1997 for the winner 1,300,000 Pta. (around 8700 USD), plus a contract for a CD recording and several concerts. This Contest is supported by UNESCO as member of its International Music Festival Worldwide Association, and sponsored by the Vila-real, Benicassim and Castellon City Councils.

The International Plectrum Orchestras Festival Francisco Tarrega

Not so important, but not for this less interesting, is the festival organized every year since 1990 by the Vila-real's "Orquesta de Pulso y Púa Francisco Tarrega". This music association is formed by non-professional players that show a very high level with their mandolines and guitars. This year was the VIII edition. From the 20th to the 28th of September, orchestras from Madrid, Valencia, Germany, and the organizing team played several concerts in the City Auditorium.

Versioned by top pop artists

Francisco Tarrega has even been versioned by today's top pop artists. Maybe the best example of the influence Tarrega has had in today's guitar music is the version of "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" that Mike Oldfield renamed as "Etude" and helped him to win an Oscar in 1984 by the movie soundtrack of "The Killing Fields".

Francisco Tarrega Gallery                 Franscisco Tarrega Biography

Some links to other sites about Francisco Tarrega

 
 
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