Agustín Barrios composed over 300 musical works and is revered for his guitar compositions, but how well do you know the composer and guitarist?
1. Born in Paraguay, Barrios was heavily inspired by folk music.
Scott Yoo visits Paraguy to learn more and hear the music:
2. His 1921 work, “La Catedral,” composed of three movements, was inspired by Bach and is considered his best work. It was even acknowledged by fellow guitarist Andrés Segovia in his diary that it was a remarkable work.
3. Barrios was part of the indigenous Guaraní people, and for several years in the 1930s, he would go by the name Nitsuga Mangoré (Agustín spelled backwards). During this time, Barrios occasionally dressed in traditional Guaraní garments for performances.
4. He also wrote poetry, spoke both Spanish and his native Guaraní, and could read in English, French and German.
Hear some of his poetry performed:
5. John Williams recorded some of Barrios’ music in 1977 which introduced the composer and guitarist to a broader international audience. Since this recording, Barrios’ work has been a large part of the guitar repertoire.
