Guitar Recital – Kevin R. Gallagher

The modern guitar has many colourful ancestors that date back to the times of antiquity. Different shapes, sizes and tunings abound in its history. The guitar of the present day is a relatively new instrument. In the latter half of the 19th century, the Spanish luthier, Antonio de Torres Jurado (1817-1892) developed an instrument that has become the model for the modern guitar.

The advent of the early music movement has demonstrated a widespread following of period instrument performers, scholars and enthusiasts unto itself. This disc samples the most glorious music enjoyed by the modern guitarist from the repertoire of some of its Renaissance and Baroque predecessors.

Luys de Narváez, who flourished between 1530 and 1550 was a Spanish composer and vihuelist. His book, Los seys libros del delphin (Valladolid, 1538) contains some of the most inspired instrumental works of the time.