Meesters op de gitaar: Rafael Aguirre - van Giuliani tot Chopin

Rafael Aguirre

Rafael Aguirre is drawn to many kinds of music. In this Spanish guitarist's studio, you will find all sorts of things, 'from the most intellectual to the most banal music'. For him, it is not only the quality of the work that is important, but also whether you enjoy playing it for a specific reason. He also likes to expand the repertoire for his instrument. Aguirre collaborates with contemporary composers and incorporates flamenco, Latin American, and Spanish popular music into his programs. That Aguirre is a musical omnivore is evident tonight in a program that ranges from Mauro Giuliani to Frédéric Chopin.

From Giuliani to Chopin

Mauro Giuliani, guitarist, cellist, and composer, knew Beethoven well; he played in the premiere of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony in 1813. The world-famous master wrote little for guitar; the great repertoire had to come from other composers, not infrequently in arrangements. Bach's Chaconne sounds perfect on the guitar; the instrument adds both percussion and intimacy to it. Chopin's Raindrop Prelude? More lyrical than ever. Augustín Barrios heard Bach's music emanating from a cathedral and merging into the street noise: La Catedral came into being. The guitar lends itself perfectly to programmatic music, and this unique and evocative program bears witness to that.