Andrés Segovia (February 21, 1893 – June 3, 1987) was a Spanish classical guitarist and is generally considered to be the father of the modern classical guitar movement by most modern scholars. Many feel, that without his efforts, the classical guitar would still be considered a lowly bar instrument, played only by peasants.

Segovia's quest to elevate the guitar to a prominent position in the music world, began at the early age of four. His uncle used to sing songs to him and pretend to strum an imaginary guitar in his lap. Although discouraged by his family, he continued to pursue his studies of the guitar.

Segovia set a goal for the guitar and himself early in life. It was, to bring guitar studies to every university in the world, have the guitar played throughout the world, on every major stage, just as the piano and violin were, and lastly, to pass on his love of the guitar to generations to follow. He considered himself to be the messenger that would complete this impossible quest.

His first appearance was in Spain at the age of sixteen, and a few years later he held his first professional concert in Madrid, playing transcriptions for guitar by Francisco Tárrega and some he had developed on his own from Johann Sebastian Bach.

Many "serious" musicians believed that Segovia would be laughed off of the stage, because in their mind, the guitar could not be used to play classical music. In fact, Segovia astounded the audience. The only problem he had, was that the guitar could not produce enough sound to fill the hall. Over the coming years, Segovia would perfect his technique and push luthiers to experiment with new woods and designs, that could increase the natural amplification of the guitar.

Working together with luthiers, he helped in creating the "modern" classical guitar, introducing nylon strings which could produce louder tones.

After a tour in America in 1928, he soon became famous as "the guitar player", and composers like Heitor Villa-Lobos started writing for him (and for guitar).

Segovia's figure is fundamental for the story of classical guitar, since he brought this instrument to popularity even in classical music, where it had previously been ignored as "too popular". The lack of a sufficient repertoire of works for guitar was filled with the many transcriptions he himself made and played, and he gave life to the many previous works of composers such as Tárrega.

His technique, also was refined thanks to his brilliant touch, still remains today as a term of comparison.

Segovia had many students throughout his career. Among the more famous are Christopher Parkening, John Williams, Elliot Fisk and Oscar Ghiglia . These students, along with the many others, carry on Segovia's tradition, while at the same time expanding the classical guitar's presence, repertoire, and musical boundaries.

He died in Madrid of a heart attack at the age of 94.

External links

• A picture http://www.classicalguitar.net/artists/artist_images/segovia2.jpg
• The Segovia Museum http://www.segoviamuseo.com/