Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Paraguay

Birth

:

May 23, 1885 in San Bautista de las Misiones

Death

:

August 7, 1944 in San Salvador, El Salvador

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Agustín Barrios-Mangoré was a Paraguayan classical guitarist and composer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He was born on May 5, 1885, in San Juan Bautista, Paraguay, to a wealthy family. His father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a talented musician who played the harp and the guitar. Barrios-Mangoré showed an early interest in music and began playing the guitar at a young age. He was largely self-taught, but he also received some instruction from his mother and other local musicians. He quickly developed a reputation as a prodigy and began performing in public at the age of 14. In 1902, Barrios-Mangoré traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he continued to perform and study music. He studied with several prominent guitarists and composers, including Eduardo Fabini and Vicente Greco. He also began composing his own music during this time, drawing inspiration from the folk music of Paraguay and other Latin American countries. Barrios-Mangoré's music was characterized by its virtuosity, lyricism, and emotional depth. He was a master of the guitar, and his compositions often featured complex fingerpicking patterns and intricate harmonies. He also incorporated elements of classical music into his compositions, such as counterpoint and sonata form. Some of Barrios-Mangoré's most famous compositions include "La Catedral," "Julia Florida," and "Danza Paraguaya." "La Catedral" is a three-movement work that was inspired by the Gothic architecture of a cathedral in Montevideo, Uruguay. The piece is known for its haunting melodies and intricate harmonies, and it has become one of the most beloved works in the classical guitar repertoire. "Julia Florida" is a lyrical and romantic piece that was dedicated to Barrios-Mangoré's wife. The piece is characterized by its flowing melodies and delicate arpeggios, and it has become one of Barrios-Mangoré's most popular works. "Danza Paraguaya" is a lively and rhythmic piece that was inspired by the traditional folk music of Paraguay. The piece features a driving rhythm and intricate fingerpicking patterns, and it has become a staple of the classical guitar repertoire. In addition to his compositions, Barrios-Mangoré was also known for his virtuosic performances. He toured extensively throughout South America and Europe, and he was widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of his time. He was also a prolific recording artist, and many of his recordings are still available today. Barrios-Mangoré's life was not without its challenges, however. He struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties throughout his career, and he was often forced to rely on the generosity of friends and supporters. He also suffered from health problems in his later years, and he died of a heart attack on August 7, 1944, at the age of 59. Despite these challenges, Barrios-Mangoré's legacy has endured. His music continues to be performed and recorded by guitarists around the world, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers and performers in the history of the classical guitar. His contributions to the development of the classical guitar repertoire and technique have had a lasting impact on the instrument, and his music remains an inspiration to guitarists and music lovers everywhere.

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