Tárrega (y Eixea), Francisco
Tárrega (y Eixea), Francisco
Tárrega (y Eixea), Francisco, celebrated Spanish guitarist, pedagogue, and composer; b. Villarreal, Castellón, Nov. 21, 1852; d. Barcelona, Dec. 15, 1909. He began piano studies in childhood, and in 1862 commenced classical guitar training with Julian Areas. He then pursued courses in theory, harmony, and piano at the Madrid Cons. (1874-77), and subsequently taught music while establishing himself as a guitar virtuoso. His recital appearances in Paris and London in 1880 secured his reputation outside his homeland; he was acclaimed as the “Sarasate of the guitar.” He performed throughout Spain (1885-1903), then toured Italy (1903). His remarkable career was cut short by paralysis of his right arm in 1906. He composed about 80 pieces, and prepared some 120 transcriptions for solo guitar and 21 for 2 guitars.
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire