Gaspar Sanz

Pre-Eminent Baroque Guitarist of His Time

"Gaspar Sanz - Aragonese Spanish
composer and priest born in Calanda ..."

A Spanish composer and guitarist born in 1640 and dying circa 1710, he became a professor of music graduating from Salamanca University, the second oldest university in Spain.

Sanz was also a dedicated priest who took holy orders and his music can not be separated from his lofelong strong faith. Indeed, it added a wonderfully rich and spiritual dimension to his music.

He furthered his music education in Rome under Orazio Benevoli and other musical figures such as Cristofaro Caresana and Lelio Colista. He was a superb musician playing both organ and guitar and eventually published a guitar treatise (containing three volumes) and pieces for instructional purposes.

Indeed, he was considered the master of baroque guitar in his time and wrote some absolutely wonderful music including Canarios, Pavanas & Espanoleta which are still popular on the guitar today and many of Spanish folk songs and dances.

Such guitar luminaries as John Williams have recorded the Canarios on several occasions.

The Canarios is fascinating to us mainly due to its irregular rhythms which are similar to much flamenco music of today. You can see in the sheet music how it is a �mixed meter� of � & 6/8 time.

He also wrote music of power and majesty. For example, the Pavanas, which is to be played Maestoso, is full of �power� and deep emotion.

Here's a little YouTube video of Angel Romero playing the Canarios...

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A recent editorial review of his work said..."Gaspar Sanz was one of the most celebrated guitarists and composers of his time. In 1674 he published a method for the baroque guitar. This method has been lauded by guitar aficinados and serves as a significant historic work. Written in Old Spanish with the tablature system of its day, this method has only been available to the few who would meticulously research and decipher its hidden meanings."

You can get that Sanz book here...

Complete Works Of (2 Books/2 CDs) By Gaspar Sanz ; Jerry Willard (Arranger). For Guitar. Renaissance, Medieval. Sheet Music and Audio CDs. 280 pages. Published by Amsco Publications. (AM948629)
See more info...

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