As a guitarist deeply immersed in the exploration of contemporary Spanish repertoire, my musical odyssey has spanned fifteen years, marked by the commissioning, premiering, and recording of forty new pieces, a significant portion of which has found a home in four volumes on the esteemed Naxos and Frameworks Record labels. The culmination of this endeavor manifests in my latest release, “21st Century Spanish Guitar, Volume 4,” an anthology that reflects my unwavering commitment to the evolution of Spanish guitar music.
My immersion in the rich tapestry of Spanish music was not a mere happenstance; it was a deliberate choice born out of a transformative period of residence in Spain as a Fulbright Scholar from 2008 to 2011. This tenure served as a crucible, refining my understanding of the elusive Spanish sound. In the crucible of Spain, I shed a drop of my gringo identity, becoming one step closer to the beating heart of the Iberian musical tradition.
The revelation dawned upon me during my sojourn in Spain—a new renaissance of Spanish composition was underway. EUREKA! The time had come to champion this burgeoning wave of creativity. Echoing the legacy of luminaries such as Segovia, Bream, and Fisk, who ardently championed new music in their times, I embarked on a mission to embrace the unfolding musical landscape.
Contrary to the prevailing caution towards dissonance and experimentalism, I advocate for a wholehearted embrace of the avant-garde in music. In my view, this fearlessness is essential for the perpetuation of the Spanish guitar tradition. The great figures of the past were not content to rest on the laurels of convention; they ventured into uncharted territories, pushing the boundaries of what the instrument could express.
My latest volume, “21st Century Spanish Guitar, Volume 4,” is a testament to this fearless spirit. Each composition within this anthology is a manifestation of the vibrant diversity that characterizes contemporary Spanish music. From the haunting dissonances to the rhythmic experiments, each note is a nod to the evolving landscape of Spanish composition. It is my fervent belief that by embracing this diversity, we not only pay homage to the roots of the Spanish guitar tradition but also ensure its continued relevance and vitality in the 21st century.
Living in Spain allowed me to witness firsthand the fusion of tradition and innovation, and it is this delicate balance that I seek to capture in my musical pursuits. The guitar, a symbol deeply entrenched in Spanish culture, becomes a vessel for the synthesis of the old and the new. Through my recordings and performances, I aim to contribute to the ongoing narrative of the Spanish guitar, adding a chapter that resonates with the contemporary spirit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my journey through the realms of contemporary Spanish guitar music has been both a personal odyssey and a broader exploration of a musical renaissance. By commissioning, premiering, and recording new pieces, I strive to be a torchbearer for the fearless exploration of musical frontiers. In the spirit of the great figures who preceded me, I implore fellow musicians and aficionados alike to join me in taking the bull by the horn and embracing the rich tapestry of 21st-century Spanish guitar music. Through this collective effort, we can ensure that the legacy of the Spanish guitar not only endures but flourishes in the ever-evolving landscape of musical expression.
