Introduction

Antonio Lauro was an awesome Venezuelan guitarist and composer. His most famous collection of pieces is probably the ‘Quattro Vals Venezolanos’. All serious classical guitar players will have at least one of these pieces in their repertoire.

“Vals Venezolano No. 3” by Antonio Lauro is a vibrant and intricate piece for classical guitar that exemplifies the rich musical traditions of Venezuela. Composed in the keys of E minor (for the A section) and E major (for the B section), this piece is typically performed at a lively tempo, around 100-120 BPM, capturing the thrilling energy and rhythmic essence of the Venezuelan waltz.

The composition features flowing melodic lines and harmonically rich arpeggios, requiring precise fingerpicking and seamless transitions. Notable for its rhythmic complexity and syncopation, “Vals Venezolano No. 3”. The interplay between major and minor tonalities creates a captivating musical narrative that showcases Lauro’s skillful use of harmony and melody.

I reckon Evangelos Assmikopoulos has the best interpretations of Lauro’s music available today. Be sure to check out his performances on YouTube for additional insights into the music of Antonio Lauro.

Musical Style

Antonio Lauro’s musical style is deeply rooted in Venezuelan folk traditions, blending classical techniques with elements of indigenous and popular music. His compositions often feature rhythmic complexity, lyrical melodies, and rich harmonic textures, showcasing his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and emotionally engaging. Lauro’s works are celebrated for their authenticity and expressiveness, making them a staple in the classical guitar repertoire. His contributions have significantly enriched the guitar’s literature, providing guitarists with a diverse and culturally rich selection of pieces to explore.

Notable Pieces

Five notable pieces by Antonio Lauro:

• El Marabino

• La Negra

• Vals Venezolano No. 2 Andreina

• Tatiana

• Yacambu

Let your fingers fly!

Josh