Introduction

“Recuerdos de la Alhambra” or “Memories of the Alhambra” is an iconic piece in the classical guitar repertoire. In terms of importance and how well it is known by the general public I rank it next to the Concierto de Aranjuez as one of the most recognisable and transcribed pieces for guitar. Written in 1896 by the great Francisco Tarrega it stands alone as the most popular piece ever written for guitar using the highly specialised ‘tremolo’ technique, and is a fitting homage to the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain.

It is set in the keys of A minor and A major and is typically performed at a moderate tempo, around 72-80 BPM. The piece is renowned for its use of the tremolo technique, where the right-hand fingers rapidly repeat a note to create a flowing, sustained melody over an arpeggiated accompaniment. This technique requires significant control and precision, making “Recuerdos de la Alhambra” both a technical challenge and a captivating showcase of the guitarist’s skill.

The tremolo technique involves the rapid repetition of a note sounded by any combination of right-hand fingers but usually thumb, annular, middle, index. The tremolo is used to give the impression or the illusion of sustain that is similar to that of a note being bowed by a violin. Additionally, attention to dynamics and phrasing is crucial to convey the piece’s lyrical and evocative character, capturing the romantic and nostalgic essence that Tárrega intended.

Below is a brief list of different tremolo patterns. A point of interest is that some eminent guitarists such as Ana Vidovic play their tremolo with just the thumb and two fingers!

• P, i, m, a

• P, i, m, i

• P, i, a, m, i

• P, i, m, i or P, m, i, m

From a technical standpoint the idea is to produce a rapid series of notes with an even and consistent tone in terms of both volume and duration. Players considered to have the most legendary tremolo techniques include:

• David Russel

• Xuefei Yang

• Manitas de Plata

Musical Style

Francisco Tárrega’s musical style is characterized by its blend of Romantic expressiveness and Spanish folk influences. His compositions often feature lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate fingerstyle techniques, showcasing both technical prowess and emotional depth. Tárrega’s works frequently include arpeggios, tremolos, and dynamic contrasts, emphasizing the guitar’s capabilities as a solo instrument. His pieces reflect a deep understanding of the guitar’s expressive potential, making them essential studies for both technique and musicality. Tárrega’s influence on the classical guitar repertoire is profound, as he established foundational techniques and expanded the instrument’s possibilities, inspiring generations of guitarists.

Notable Pieces

Five notable pieces by Francisco Tárrega:

• Adelita

• Capricho Árabe

• Gran Vals

• Lágrima

• Marieta

All of the above pieces are available as standalone courses or as part of the ‘Travel with Tárrega’ collection exclusive to NBN Guitar.

Let your fingers fly!

Josh