According
to an oft-quoted phrase we are all adolescent intellectuals without
history. So it makes sense to explore the noble history of classical
guitar, which has travelled a long way only to carve a niche for itself
in the world of music globally.
This history would be incomplete without naming the legendary
guitarist Luther Antonio de Torres (1817-1892) who made significant
changes in the construction of the newly framed modern version these
guitars. He is also considered as the founder of the modern classical
guitar school.
This unique history can be traced back to the Near East. The
archaeologists found its representation in myriad forms in the
excavations of Babylonia. Also referred to as a Spanish guitar, classical guitar
heralds from the family of instruments called chordophones. They have
been a part of the ancient musical tradition for over 100 years.
Spanning over four centuries history classical guitar has been a
subject of great debate and controversy. Many earlier instruments also
contributed a great deal in shaping its history. Many great players and
composers also contributed to an amazing extent in shaping up this
amazing journey of this popular instrument.
The popularity of the guitar was on the downslide with the emergence
of the piano in the middle of the 19th century. Francisco Tarrega
(1852-1909) initiated a whole new style of playing which added a new
definition to the entire history of the classical guitar.
Some of the earlier instruments, which shaped the history are as
Renaissance guitar, Baroque guitar.The size and shape has been the same
over 100 years.The modern version of the ancient guitars has evolved
over the following few sources
The Lute, The Vihuela, The Renaissance five-string guitar.
Some of the legendary names associated with the field of guitar are
as Gaspar Sanz, Fernando Sor, Mauro Giuliani,John Williams,Julian
Bream.
The most accepted convention these days is to use the fingertips to
play on the guitar. However, in the bygone era it was the prevelant
custom to use flesh over nail to play the guitar.
Some of the renowned players who preferred using fingertips over nail include – Fernando Sor, Francisco Tarrega.
Since, there is more space between the strings on a typical
classical guitar it is easier to handle it for amateurs. Some of the
cardinal features of this popular instrument are as follows-
It uses nylon strings.
It generally makes use of a rich colour palette.
Hogging the musical scene globally classical guitars are a player’s
delight. With changing times it has undoutedly evolved a lot.
Technologial advancements may have given guitars a backseat with newer
instruments like synthesizers hogging the limelight these days. But,
still the old guitar has retained all its alluring charm and reigns
supreme over other classical instruments which have made the entire
musical journey all the more enticing for the listeners through ages.
The Lute, The Vihuela, The Renaissance five-string guitar.
It uses nylon strings.
It generally makes use of a rich colour palette.
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