The name Andrs Segovia is inextricably connected with the classical guitar.

Durin
g a lifetime of global concerts, arranging/transcribing, teaching, recording and
composing he did more to establish the guitar as a legitimate concert instrumen
t than any other performer in the history of this noble instrument.
Segovia described his mission as rescuing the
blishing it as a recognised classical concert
art of that mission, expansion and refinement
ng his lifetime he was fortunate to have seen
mbitions.

guitar from the flamencos and esta

instrument. He also included, as p
of the then meagre repertory. Duri
the fulfilment of his dreams and a

This new DVD release from Opus Arte, Andrs Segovia - a Portrait presents two very d
ifferent documentaries on the life of Segovia. In 1967 when he was 75 years of a
ge, Segovia at Los Olivos was filmed at his new home, Los Olivos on the Costa de S
ol in Andalucia . In 1976, when the guitarist was 84 years old, Song of the Guita
r was filmed at the Alhambra in Granada. This won the Prix du Public at the Besano
n Festival in 1977. Christopher Nupen produced both these documentaries.
It is regrettable that there is no audio-recorded evidence to confirm the purpor
ted magnificence of Francisco Tarrega s playing but his contribution, albeit mainl
y in miniature style, to the repertory is unequivocal. Irrespective of Segovia s r
elative ability as a guitarist, the enormous advantage that he had over his pred
ecessors was his vision for the guitar as a true concert instrument. Tarrega and
his disciples, Llobet et al., viewed the guitar as exclusively a salon instrume
nt. Even when young Segovia, as a budding concert musician, sought recitals in l
arge venues he encountered opposition emanating from the myopia of Llobet.
Segovia was a phenomenon and played the guitar to such high standards that very
few were able to compete. He was also a very astute marketer who, over several d
ecades tirelessly gave concerts all over the world and taught and promoted the c
lassical guitar. He became Mr Classical Guitar - universally the most famous class
ical guitarist ever to have lived.
Some would say that Ida Presti (1924-1967) played the guitar every bit as well a
s or even better than Segovia. But she was not as proactive in promoting and pop
ularising it, nor did she significantly influence composers of the day to write
original works guitar and expand its slender repertory. Her career as a solo per
former ended in 1952 with the formation of the duo Presti/Lagoya. Today, outside
guitar circles, her name is unknown.
Segovia at Los Olivos
This documentary is very interesting, informative and most enjoyable. Filmed at
Segovia s home in Andalucia, it is full of magnificent scenery, fascinating dialog
ue and beautiful guitar playing.
The monstrous house is based on one of three plans shown to Segovia when he was
living in New York. He chose the one he felt to be the best but in doing so omit
ted to check the scale!
For those interested in luthiery this documentary contains rare footage from ins
ide the workshop of Ignatio Fleta and sons. Along with Jose Ramirez III, whose i
nstruments he plays exclusively in these documentaries, Segovia also owned and p
layed instruments by Fleta. Ramirez and Fleta were tenacious competitors - a fac
t which doubtless Segovia used to his advantage.
Several opinions expressed by Segovia are both revealing and surprising. In resp
onse to promptings he commented as follows (paraphrased): To be a composer of mus
ic for the guitar you need to also be a good guitar player; those who do not hav
e the ideal combination of strength and flexibility in their fingernails should

give up the guitar; it is unfortunate that Albniz and Granados composed for the p
iano ... (not the guitar).
It is challenging to say which aspect of this documentary is the most enjoyable
but particularly poignant is the dialogue that Segovia has with the interviewer
regarding passing from this mortal existence.
Given the wonderfully long and fulfilling life that Segovia enjoyed, his express
ed reluctance to leave it is perfectly normal and understandable. One is reminde
d of the aphorism It is harder to die when you are rich and famous . But with philo
sophical perspective and good humour Segovia acknowledges the inevitability and
says: Unfortunately I have to submit to the will of our Lord . He goes on to elabor
ate:
I always make this prayer: My Lord, I do not deserve your glory; I do not deserve
to be in heaven; I request only from you a big favour- leave me here!
It was in 1987, twenty years later, that he finally submitted to the will of his
Lord and thus ended a long and fruitful life.
Song of the Guitar
Made nine years later when Segovia was 84,
orical documentary.

Song of the Guitar

is an important hist

Oscar Wilde wrote: The soul is born old and grows young; that is the comedy of li
fe. The body is born young and grows old; that is life s tragedy.
Much of what Segovia recorded was done when he was past his prime, confirmed by
recordings made early in his career. As one may anticipate, his playing on this
occasion, despite the inherent greatness, reflects the passage of time.
The Alhambra in Granada, where the film was made, imparts a magnificent air of t
ranquillity. The guitar reciprocates, creating an ambience of wonderment; scenes
appear as trompe l oeil.
The film is full of interesting dialogue and Segovia plays numerous pieces from
his extensive repertory.
During the film we see an old man with a walking stick, probably of the same age
as Segovia, walking down one of the narrow back streets of Granada. I could not
help but reflect on the legacy that this man will leave for the world when he a
lso dies; probably it will be the same as for countless other millions who, outs
ide their immediate families, will leave little. It may be, in part, this dearth
of legacy that comparatively makes the contributions of men like Segovia appear
so monumental.
This DVD is highly recommended. It has wide audience appeal but for aficionados
of the classical guitar it is mandatory viewing.