Andrés Torres Segovia (21 February 1893 – 2 June 1987) was a
Spanish classical guitarist born in
Linares, Jaén,
Spain. He is remembered for his expressive performances: his wide palette of tone, and his distinctive (often instantly recognizable) musical personality in tone, phrasing/timing
[1] and style, revealing his deep personal insight and expressive commitment in music.
Segovia's main musical aesthetic preferences were music of the late 19th and early 20th century especially in the Spanish romantic-modern and nationalist style - a style different from flamenco. This spanish romantic-modern style, is one that Segovia helped shape, and it is perhaps best typified by Segovia's interpretation of his own work
Estudio sin Luz [2]. Many works of this and similar style were written especially for him and formed part of his core repertoire: particularly the guitar works of
Federico Moreno Torroba (1891-1982), such as the
Sonatina, which was first performed by Segovia in Paris (1925) to an invited audience that included
Maurice Ravel, who was impressed by it.
[3]Segovia is widely regarded as one of the most important figures of the classical guitar in the beginning to mid 20th century.