Segovia "Lifted Guitar To Concert Stage"

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30543, 11 September 1964, Page 12

Segovia "Lifted Guitar To Concert Stage"

Andres Segovia, a Spaniard who for nearly 60 years has delighted the world with his guitar playing, believes he was captivated by its music before his birth. Born in Linares, near Granada. Segovia lived among people who played the violin, 'cello and piano. “1 was terri fied with the way thev played; them.” he said “But the guitar, even in rough hands preserved its beautiful sound “In the guitar 1 found the most beautiful instrument of all. I was captivated by it and searched the world for its music of the past—Spain, Poland, France. Germany and Italy—l searched them all to discover the music of the guitar. I was my own pupil and master" Segovia said that the guitar like any serious instrument, had to be taken seriouslv “It belonged to the people of Spain fnr singing and dancing and I lifted it to the concert stage” His best-loved composer? “There is one mountain on earth higher than any other— Everest There is one com poser in exactly the same position—Bach There are other great but lesser mountains and there are other great but lesser composers.” Wide Range Segovia's technique permits the nerformance of music teenth centuries through the fifteenth, sixteenth and seven teenth centuuries through the classical and romantic neriods to the oresent day He has transcribed the works of

Bach, Scarlatti, Haydn, Mendelssohn and others. Many compose for him today. During his recital in Christchurch tomorrow Segovi- will use an instrument made in Spain two years ago He has nnlv owned three His

first guitar was made by the great-uncle of the man who made his latest “The one in between was made by a great German maker, and 1 played it for 25 years It is still my favourite." he said For Segovia the electric guitar is “no” guitar. “It has the shane and nothing else at all. There is just no place for it It makes sounds but does not make guitar music.”