La Catedral

La Catedral is one of the most colorful and difficult works in the guitar repertoire. It originally had two movements, and is often performed in that form.

The original opening movement, Andante Religioso, represents the reverent mood that struck the composer when he entered the cathedral and heard music of Bach being played on its organ. The writing for the guitar is remarkable in imitating the sound of that music.

The original second movement is marked Allegro Solemne. It represents the impression of leaving the Cathedral and returning to the bustle of the street outside the building.

La Catedral's composer, Pio Agustín Barrios, was the first South American guitar performer of international stature and, although largely self-trained as composer, the author of guitar music of outstanding worth. He is credited as the first guitarist to record music by Johann Sebastian Bach.

In 1938, Barrios added an opening movement, "Prelude (Saudade)." The Portuguese word in the subtitle means something like "nostalgic recollection" and this movement touchingly views the 1914 version of the work as a souvenir in a musical memory book. ~ Joseph Stevenson, Rovi