Lágrima
Tárrega was undoubtedly the dominant guitar figure of
the late nineteenth century, not only a celebrated
recitalist but also a teacher responsible for many
innovations, such as the Torres guitar (larger than
hitherto), posture and sitting position (though his
famous footstool is now being challenged by numerous
alternatives), finger action and much more. These,
perhaps more than his highly romantic compositions,
opened the door for the great masters of the twentieth
century who followed.
As a composer, Tárrega was deeply influenced by
Schumann and, particularly, Chopin, but also had a
fondness for arranging piano pieces by his
contemporaries Albéniz and Granados, to the known
satisfaction of Albéniz for one.
Recuerdos de la Alhambra must be the most
frequently played piece ever written for the solo guitar.
Every student attempts it, but it remains surprisingly
difficult to bring off successfully. Even seasoned
professionals cannot be sure that their tremolo will be in
peak condition on the day they want it to be: the slightest
irregularity in a fingernail can throw the whole thing out.
It should be noted that Tárrega, who (like Sor) played
without nails, did not have this problem.
Lágrima is one of the many charming little melodies
that Tárrega wrote with so little apparent effort. They do
not explore emotions very deeply, but they are well
fitted to the instrument’s abilities, they provide the
student with one or more specific technical problems to
overcome, and they can be very pleasant to listen to. It is
impossible to imagine them being played on any other
instrument.
Colin Cooper