Your Classical Guitar Input Here

only 3?

by Oana
(Pasadena, CA, USA)

It's really unfair to name just 3, and I did think of Segovia first, but I re-read the question, and it says "players". Segovia has his undeniable greatness, and was a great guitarist, but my all time favorite players are:

3. Julian Bream - his feeling for the music, especially Heitor Villa-Lobos works, is remarkable. I watched the recording of his advice on the Prelude 1 by HVL (his masterclass) at least 20 times, and I am still going back to listen to that detached, simple, clean sound and his very eloquent advice on the interpretation and melody of the piece. I wish I had such a great teacher.

2. Charo (yes, the 'cuchi-cuchi' girl) - I am absolutely mesmerized by her versatility, and the intense feeling she lends to her guitar. Listen to her rendition of the Recuerdos. Incredible artist.

1. Ida Presti - I discovered her youtube videos recently, and I am absolutely speechless. Let alone the fact that she recorded many of them at the age of 15, the performances are just so incredibly pure, with very emotional tremolos and crystal clear sound.

Since I am only forced to include 3, I must say that I place Ana Vidovic and Filomena Moretti very-very close to that top 3. I'm always going back to listen to them when my learning curve needs a confidence boost.