In 1862, Tárrega began formal music studies under Manuel González, a blind guitarist known as “El Cec,” and later under Julián Arcas, a prominent guitarist who profoundly influenced his development. Arcas introduced Tárrega to the concert stage and encouraged him to compose for the guitar, setting the stage for his future contributions.
Historical Context: The Guitar in 19th-Century Spain
The 19th century was a transformative period for the guitar. During the Baroque and Classical eras, the instrument had been overshadowed by the harpsichord, piano, and orchestral ensembles. However, by the Romantic era (roughly 1820–1900), the guitar gained prominence as a solo instrument, particularly in Spain, where it was deeply tied to folk traditions like flamenco and regional dances.
Mission
When Tárrega began his career, the guitar was still considered somewhat of a “parlor” instrument—popular among amateurs but lacking the prestige of the piano or violin in concert halls. Composers like Fernando Sor and Mauro Giuliani had elevated the guitar’s status earlier in the century, but Tárrega took this further by refining its technique and expanding its expressive potential. His work coincided with Spain’s cultural resurgence, a period when composers like Isaac Albéniz and Enrique Granados were drawing on nationalistic themes to create distinctly Spanish music.
"Very professional and pleasant to work with. Came up with very good suggestions when we couldn't figure something out. Played really super!”
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Tárrega’s Career and Innovations
Tárrega initially pursued a dual path as a pianist and guitarist, enrolling in the Madrid Royal Conservatory in 1874 to study composition and piano under Emilio Arrieta. However, a pivotal moment came when he decided to focus exclusively on the guitar, reportedly after Arrieta encouraged him to dedicate himself to the instrument he loved most. This decision marked the beginning of his mission to elevate the guitar to a serious concert instrument.
Innovations
Tárrega’s innovations were both technical and musical. He collaborated with luthier Antonio de Torres, whose guitars—known for their rich tone and improved projection—became Tárrega’s instrument of choice. Torres’ designs, with their larger bodies and fan-braced tops, revolutionized guitar construction, and Tárrega’s adoption of them helped standardize the modern classical guitar.
Technically, Tárrega developed a more ergonomic and expressive approach to playing. He emphasized the use of the right-hand ring finger (anular, or “a”) alongside the thumb, index, and middle fingers, expanding the guitar’s polyphonic capabilities. He also advocated for a seated posture with a footstool to stabilize the instrument, a practice still standard today. His meticulous attention to tone production—favoring a warm, singing quality over sheer volume—set a new benchmark for guitarists.
Tarrega's Music Today
Today, Tárrega’s works are essential to the classical guitar canon. Pieces like Recuerdos de la Alhambra and Capricho Árabe are performed by virtuosos worldwide and studied by aspiring guitarists.
