Andres Segovia

Date of Birth: February 21, 1893

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: June 2, 1987

Biography

Andrés Segovia, born Andrés Segovia Torres, was a virtuoso Spanish classical guitarist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He was born on February 21, 1893, in Linares, Spain, and passed away on June 2, 1987, in Madrid, Spain. Segovia is credited with elevating the guitar to concert status as a legitimate instrument in classical music. He began his musical education at a young age and was largely self-taught. Throughout his career, Segovia worked tirelessly to expand the repertoire for classical guitar, commissioning works from contemporary composers and transcribing pieces originally written for other instruments. Segovia’s influence on the classical guitar was profound. He performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and recorded extensively. His technique and interpretative skills set new standards for guitarists and he inspired generations of musicians. In addition to his performing career, Segovia was a dedicated teacher, holding masterclasses and nurturing young talent. His legacy continues through the many guitarists he taught and the extensive body of work he left behind.

5 Interesting Facts about Andres Segovia

1. Andrés Segovia is often credited with rescuing the classical guitar from relative obscurity and bringing it to the forefront of the concert stage.

2. He was largely self-taught and developed his unique technique by studying the works of other instrumentalists, as well as through rigorous practice.

3. Segovia was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1986 in recognition of his contributions to music.

4. Throughout his career, Segovia premiered numerous works by composers such as Heitor Villa-Lobos, Joaquín Rodrigo, and Manuel Ponce, greatly enriching the guitar repertoire.

5. He published a multi-volume guitar method, “Diario de mis viajes” (Diary of My Travels), which remains a valuable resource for classical guitarists.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Andres Segovia

1. “The guitar is a small orchestra. It is polyphonic. Every string is a different color, a different voice.”

2. “I have had the joy of seeing my own shadow pass across the threshold of my life.”

3. “I belong to the divine class of the romantics, and all my life I have been in search of beauty.”

4. “The guitar is the easiest instrument to play and the hardest to play well.”

5. “If people have been kind enough to listen to me, I am happy that they have taken something good from my playing.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Andrés Segovia was estimated to be around $10 million at the time of his death.

Children

Andrés Segovia had three children: Carlos Andrés Segovia, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a guitarist, and two other children from his first marriage, Beatriz and Andrés Segovia Jr.