Roland Dyens
Tango in Skai or Libra Sonatine are some of the many treasures of the guitar which Roland Dyens has left in bequest.
Roland Dyens, who was 61 on October 19th, has passed away. It is the loss of one of the most important guitarists around the world, due to his interpretations, his compositions, and especially his vision of the instrument and of music overall.
He was considered one of the best guitarists of the world. He was multifaceted, where the jazz world was very important. We could say that even being a classical guitarist, he was between both worlds.
In fact, we can identify clear influences of jazz in his compositions in rhythms and melodies. The own Roland Dyens said that he played classical music, but he thought about Jazz.
A well known guitarist for his ability to improvise
For Roland Dyens, the program concept was not related to his view of music, since he disagreed on the traditional view of concerts and the enjoyment of the guitar. He was a musician who adapted his performance to the public, the features of the place or the moment itself; with the purpose of getting the best musical experience.
In the same way, he had a great ability to improvise, a capacity that in the world of the classical guitar is not very common.
Noticeable difference from previous music
Compositions such as the Tango in Skai or the Libra Sonatine with his well-known Fuoco were references for a generation of guitarists, who had contact with the contemporary music by means of the Roland Dyens’ compositions. Compositions which amazed young guitarists by their rhythms, techniques and harmonies.
We could say that Leo Brower and Roland Dyens among many others, left in bequest a work that marked the change of cycle. After the nationalist music of the 20th century, which is considered the golden century of the guitar, these compositions constituted a new stage, a new way of perceiving and feeling the music.
In Spain, Dyens had a constant presence at the Festival of the guitar of Cordoba, an organization which wept for this important loss.
By means of these words, from Alhambra Guitars, we want to show our respect and recognition to the amazing career of an impressive guitarist who dedicated his life to the guitar.
in the future, guitarists will remember Dyens by means of his compositions and his recordings, where they will appreciate the quality of this guitar genius who has finished his career too soon.
