Composer Biography: Francisco Tarrega (1852-1909)

Francisco Tarrega (1852-1909) was a composer, classical guitarist, and teacher. He was born in 1852 in Villarreal, Province of Castellon, Spain. Tarrega’s father was also a guitarist, perhaps an early catalyst for music education. He learnt piano and guitar from an early age. Unfortunately, in a childhood incident, Tarrega fell into an irrigation channel and injured his eyes, suffering a degree of blindness. In fear of going completely blind, music became an important aspect of his life because being a musician was a viable career pathway that did not require his eyes.

During his teenage years, Tarrega ran away from home several times. This was to perform and it became a source of income. At such an early age, this showed that Tarrega was already a virtuoso on the guitar and is evident in many of compositions that require a level a virtuosity from the performer.

Tarrega went on to study composition at the Madrid Royal Conservatory in 1874. His compositions were written in the Romantic style and many included elements of Spanish and Arabic music.

Later in life, Tarrega suffered paralysis on the right side of his body. This prevented him from playing guitar for several years but soon recovered enough to return to playing in a small capacity. Only a few years later he passed away in 1909.

Notable Compositions:

Capricho Arabe

Recuerdos de la Alhambra

Lagrima

Gran Vals (excerpt of this used for the famous Nokia tune)

Gran Jota

Various other short pieces and studies

All the best for now - see you in the next blog!