Classical Guitar Music

[Gaelbert]

I began developing an interest for this genre after I broke out my Yngwie Malmsteen CDs again. I love Malmsteen, but sometimes his stuff just feels too heavy. So, I want to start listening to actual classical guitarists, not neoclassical shredders.

Anyone have any suggestions? I realize this is probably not the most mainstream genre, but still. And other stringed instruments would work too, if they're particularly good. Basically, somewhat modern classical music. Last 100 years, and I should be able to get a hold of it. Strings, with emphasis on guitar. Por favor.

[Djinn_in_Tonic]

My personal favorite, from the sixties, is the piece known as Classical Gas. If you haven't heard of it, and happen to be an imeem member, you can find it here (http://www.imeem.com/rockmusic2/music/kivcY1e0/mason_williams_classical_gas/). If you're NOT an imeem member, do yourself the favor and find a copy. It's not pure guitar, but it could easily be scored for such (and such things are available), but, most importantly, it's absolutely beautiful.

[eidreff]

For players I would suggest John Williams and Andre Segovia as two of the most famous and main stream. There are lots and lots of others and it's a taste issue as to whose style you like.

As for pieces to look for, I have a distinct preference for renaissance, baroque and early classical. J.S. Bach did some amazing lute music which has been transcribed by many people for guitar. Vivaldi wrote lute concerti. William Byrd wrote some interesting stuff. This (http://dirk.meineke.free.fr/) page has some midi files as well as pdfs of tab and scores. The midi files aren't in a guitar voice but do give you an idea, and the scores that I've seen are pretty good and cover a nice wide variety of styles.

My personal favourite is Concierto Da Aranjeuz (sp) a fantastic piece written in the 20th century and one of the most iconic classical guitar pieces. Also Recuerdos da Alhambra, very fun to play.

hope these help!

PS try some of the older stuff! you might be pleasantly surprise how modern some of it sounds.

[sean o the dead]

i know its not strictly guitar, but bela fleck is an amazing musician, and plays pieces in the classical guitar vein

he plays the banjo, in case you're wondering

[Amiria]

I'm not much into that kind of music, maybe i should ...

Anyway, I guess that this little song might fit the bill:

Kon-Tiki (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xcHB_SZHFos) - by Ingo Insterburg

The voiceover in the middle of the song says: "Ingo Insterburg, recognized virtuoso, complicated fingering and self-created unique technique." Ingo Insterburg is a German comedian, musician and inventor of musical instruments (i.e. "nose bassoon", "monkey harp", "coconut violin").