Agustín Barrios Mangoré: Fascinating Works and Enduring Legacy
Agustín Pío Barrios, also known as Agustín Barrios Mangoré, was a Paraguayan virtuoso classical guitarist and prolific composer. Renowned for his technical brilliance and expressive compositions, Barrios is now celebrated as one of the greatest and most influential figures in guitar music. He composed a significant number of works for the instrument, including both original compositions and arrangements.
Artistic Style and Influence
Barrios’s compositions draw on a rich blend of Latin American folk traditions, European classical forms, and his own poetic sensibility. His works are characterized by melodic inventiveness, technical complexity, deep lyricism, and rhythmic vitality inspired by South American dance and song forms.
Notable Works
Among his most celebrated pieces is "La Catedral" (1921), regarded as a masterpiece in the classical guitar repertoire. Other notable compositions include "Una Limosna por el Amor de Dios", "Danza Paraguaya", "Julia Florida", "Vals Op. 8, No. 4", and "Chôro da Saudade".
Global Recognition and Revival
Barrios toured extensively throughout Latin America and made numerous recordings on 78-rpm gramophone records. While his music remained mostly regional for decades, a revival began in the 1970s. Influential guitarists such as John Williams and Richard Stover helped introduce Barrios’s work to a worldwide audience, cementing his legacy in the standard classical guitar repertoire.
Cultural Pride
Today, Barrios is regarded as a source of national pride in Paraguay, and his contributions are increasingly recognized globally, his music considered essential for any serious classical guitarist.
Performance and Contemporary Relevance
Experience the captivating compositions of Agustín Barrios Mangoré, presented on STAGE+ for your acoustic pleasure. His unique fusion of South American folk music, Baroque and Romantic-era harmonies has been influencing young players and established guitarists worldwide.
One such talent is the 'Rising Star'; Raphaël Feuillâtre, a French guitarist mesmerizing audiences with his rendition of 'Adiós Nonino'. His performance is an ode to the classics, intertwining his contemporary style with Barrios Mangoré's signature sound.
Join us at the Waldbühne 1998: Latin American Night. Under the competent guidance of phenomenal pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim, the night promises a lineup of dynamic performances, each reflecting the vibrant Latin American spirit.
At Musikwoche Hitzacker, our subheadline show, immerse yourself in a diverse range of musical genres. From classical to contemporary, the event promises a spellbinding experience for all music lovers.
Join us at the Tanzsaal an der Panke, where we celebrate the Berliner Philharmoniker. Witness the Philharmonic's timeless brilliance, as they recreate some of Barrios Mangoré's most compelling works.
Whether you're a seasoned guitar aficionado or new to the genre, we invite you to experience the captivating world of classical guitar and beyond, only on STAGE+!