Tarrega

Credits:

Masahiro Masuda

Description:

Guitarist Masahiro Masuda is celebrating the 35th anniversary of his debut this year (2026). In this album, which marks this commemorative year, he performs on a legendary instrument crafted in 1882 by Antonio de Torres (1817–92), who established the modern guitar, he performs a selection of masterpieces by Francisco Tárrega (1852–1909), a giant of guitar music. Performed as core repertoire by numerous guitarists, including the master Andrés Segovia, and having laid the foundation for guitar music that endures to this day, Tarrega’s compositions encapsulate the beauty of the guitar’s tone and resonance. Celebrating the 35th anniversary of his debut, Masahiro Masuda—one of today’s leading guitarists who has devoted himself entirely to guitar music—delivers a performance that is sure to captivate not only guitar enthusiasts but all listeners. The sounds of virtuosos from the past and present, connected by historic, renowned instruments crafted during Tarrega’s lifetime. Please enjoy. A classical guitarist from Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture. He began playing the guitar at a young age and made his solo recital debut at age 12. He became the youngest winner in history at the 21st Classical Guitar Competition. In 2001, he made his international debut by performing at Lincoln Center in a concert commemorating the 100th anniversary of Rodrigo’s birth. He performed the *Concierto de Aranjuez* with the Juilliard Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James DePriest. Since then, he has appeared in numerous concerts both in Japan and abroad, including the “B→C” recital series organized by Tokyo Opera City, performances at the Tokyo University of the Arts, and recitals at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid. In addition to solo classical guitar performances, chamber music, and concertos, he is actively involved in concert planning, presenting highly original programs such as a complete performance of the *Suite for Unaccompanied Cello* and “An Evening of the Four Great Guitar Concertos.” He also presents concerts that fuse music with other disciplines, such as “Where Guitar and Painting Meet,” a collaborative performance with art historian Yusuke Kawase. In addition to serving as a judge for the finals of the Romania International Junior Music Competition (and as Chair of the Jury in 2025), he has served as a judge for the Tokyo International Guitar Competition, the Nagoya Guitar Competition, and the Kyushu Guitar Music Competition. He is highly regarded in the classical guitar world for both his performances and his teaching. He has released more than 35 CDs to date. In 2017, he contributed an article to the “Koyu-sho” column in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun. Currently, in addition to performing concerts nationwide, he gives classical guitar lessons, conducts public lectures, and engages in outreach activities. He is a registered artist with the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Regional Creation. Fontec