Andrés Segovia

The Profile

Spanish classical guitarist (1893–1987) credited with establishing the guitar as a serious concert instrument. Largely self-taught, he expanded the repertoire through transcriptions (notably Bach) and commissions from composers including Manuel Ponce, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Joaquín Rodrigo, Federico Moreno Torroba, and Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. He performed worldwide from the 1910s to the 1980s.

Born 21 February 1893 in Linares, Spain; died 2 June 1987 in Madrid; 1st Marquis of Salobreña (1981); championed classical guitar on major concert stages; commissioned and inspired landmark works for the instrument.

One review celebrates Segovia’s role in elevating the guitar from folk sidelines to classical concert halls, highlighting his self-taught roots and devotion to the instrument. The piece spotlights repertoire from Bach to Sor and Frescobaldi, noting live, unadorned performances. It praises his mission to expand the guitar’s expressive range while acknowledging archival sound quality. The Gold Collection is the focal release.