Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1916 in Uruguay

Death

:

July 18, 2001 in Berlin, Germany

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Abel Carlevaro was a renowned classical music composer and guitarist born on December 16, 1916, in Montevideo, Uruguay. He was the youngest of three siblings and grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Agustin Carlevaro, was a guitarist and composer, and his mother, Maria Luisa, was a pianist. Abel's older brother, Agustin, was also a guitarist and composer. Abel Carlevaro began playing the guitar at the age of six, under the guidance of his father. He quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and began performing in public at the age of 12. He continued his studies with his father until the age of 16 when he began studying with the renowned guitarist Julio Martinez Oyanguren. In 1938, Abel Carlevaro won first prize in the National Guitar Competition in Uruguay, which marked the beginning of his career as a professional musician. He went on to perform extensively throughout South America, Europe, and the United States, earning critical acclaim for his virtuosic playing and innovative approach to the guitar. In addition to his performing career, Abel Carlevaro was also a prolific composer. He wrote over 80 works for the guitar, including solo pieces, chamber music, and concertos. His compositions were known for their technical difficulty and their use of unconventional techniques, such as the use of harmonics and the creation of new playing positions on the guitar. One of Abel Carlevaro's most significant contributions to the world of classical guitar was his development of a new approach to guitar technique, which he called the "Uruguay School." This approach emphasized the importance of relaxation and natural movement in playing the guitar, as well as the use of the entire body in producing sound. Carlevaro's technique was based on his extensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as his own experiences as a performer. Abel Carlevaro's most famous works include his Suite Compostelana, which was written in 1962 and dedicated to the Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo. The suite consists of four movements, each of which is based on a different Spanish dance form. The work is known for its intricate harmonies and complex rhythms, as well as its use of unconventional playing techniques. Another notable work by Abel Carlevaro is his Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra, which was written in 1979. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the guitar, featuring complex rhythms and intricate harmonies. The work was premiered by the Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra, with Carlevaro himself as the soloist. Abel Carlevaro continued to perform and compose throughout his life, earning numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of classical guitar. He died on July 17, 2001, in Berlin, Germany, at the age of 84. His legacy lives on through his music and his innovative approach to guitar technique, which continues to influence guitarists around the world.

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