The Melody Spin Song Encyclopedia

Recuerdos De La Alhambra by Tarrega - The classical guitar composition Recuerdos De La Alhambra means “Memories of the Alhambra.” The Alhambra is a is an ancient mosque, palace and fortress complex of the Moorish monarchs of Granada, in southern Spain (known as Al-Andalus when the fortress was constructed). It occupies a hilly terrace on the south-eastern border of the city of Granada. It was the residence of the Muslim kings of Granada and their court, but is currently a museum exhibiting exquisite Islamic architecture.

One of the big 2 Spanish classical guitar composers, Tarrega lived into the 20th century. Recuerdos De La Alhambra is his all time master work and uses a classical guitar technique that is probably the most difficult to master of all classical guitar techniques. The tremolo technique is where the 3 fingers of the classical guitarists right hand quickly, steadily, repeat one note. The effect if done properly creates a continuous sound almost like a bowed string or wind instrument. You can almost hear the wind blowing over the Alhambra.

“As a classical guitarist, you cannot help but love Recuerdos De La Alhambra. Having been to Spain, it just added to my sensual connection with this piece. The open and arid feel of Spain is perfectly captured in Recuerdos De La Alhambra. I hope it conjures the same images for you.” - Darren Curtis Skanson

Born in Villarreal, Spain, Francisco Tarrega fell into an irrigation channel when he was young, which rendered him nearly blind. Partially due to this accident, the family moved to Castellon and enrolled him in music classes. He entered the Madrid Conservatory in 1874, under the sponsorship of a wealthy merchant named Antonio Canesa, where he studied composition under Emilio Arrieta. By the end of the 1870s, he was teaching the guitar and giving regular concerts. A virtuoso on his instrument, he was known as the “Sarasate of the guitar”. He later settled in Barcelona, and died there in 1909.