Who are the guitarists that you think more people should know about?
Dear tonebuddies
Who are the classical guitarists you believe deserve more recognition? Do share their names and, if possible, a favourite piece or performance video of theirs and how you got to know them! This will help us all expand our musical horizons and discover new artists together.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts and suggestions! Let's uncover the less-known maestros of the classical guitar world together!
Post a video of their playing so that we can hear!
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For me I’d have to say, hands down, Virginia Luque. She was the last student of Andres Segovia. I have never heard anyone play with such a combination of exquisite refinement and fiery passion. She is a virtuoso in both classical and flamenco, has several amazing recordings some of which are collaborations with modern composers, , such as Leo Brouwer, Jorge Morel, and Sergio Assad, among others. I will post here a video of her playing Rumores de La Caleta and a link to her biography on her website. She is truly quite amazing and everyone should know about her. www.VirginiaLuque.com/bio.html
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I believe that Nicoletta Todesco deserves more attention as a performer and a teacher. I have worked with Nicoletta as one of my coaches for several years. She is an outstanding solo and ensemble performer as well as a composer. Her composition for four guitars Picking Berries in the Haunted Forest won 1st prize at the 2022 Austin Classical Guitar Composition Competition.
Here is the link to her website
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https://youtu.be/wL4snMJbLks Gary Ryan
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If we include 'early music' performers, then I would draw attention to the Swiss virtuoso Pierre Pitzl, who plays both vihuela and baroque guitar (in addition to viol da gamba!). The 'Capona' (a kind of dance) performed in the linked video is by the obscure 17th century Italian guitarist, Ferdinando Valdambrini (about whom almost nothing seems to be known).
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Matt Palmer is an incredibly virtuosic performer who originally came out of the shredding/metal world. His emotional range is breathtaking along with a technique that knows no bounds, but always used in service to his musical vision.
Additionally, Gohar Vardanyan is another young player and great teacher who can be found on YouTube. She studied with Barrueco at Peabody among other top players. Again, an artist with incredible technical and interpretive range to her playing.