Andres Segovia Quotes

Powerful Andres Segovia for Daily Growth

About Andres Segovia

Andrés Segovia y Castañeda (1893-1987), a Spanish virtuoso, revolutionized the classical guitar world. Born on February 9, 1893, in Linares, Jaén, Spain, Segovia's love for music began at an early age when he heard Florentino Fernández perform. After his family moved to Madrid, Segovia learned to play the mandolin and later turned to the guitar, self-teaching himself to master the instrument. In 1908, Segovia made his concert debut in Seville at the age of 15. He would continue performing in Spain until 1914, when he moved to Barcelona to study law. However, music continued to be his passion, and he secretly attended the Municipal Conservatory in Barcelona, focusing on guitar under Francisco Tárrega. Segovia gained international fame in 1924 during a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City, which marked his U.S. debut. He became an ambassador for classical guitar worldwide, performing in concerts across Europe and the Americas throughout his career. Throughout his life, Segovia composed several works for guitar and collaborated with composers such as Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Joaquín Rodrigo. Notable among his original pieces are "Fantasia para un gentilhombre" (1954), a collaboration with Rodrigo, and "Homenaje, por la Reina" (1962), dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Segovia's innovative techniques transformed the classical guitar repertoire, pushing its boundaries and inspiring countless musicians worldwide. He passed away on June 2, 1987, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of music.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Music is the language of the spirit."

This quote by Andres Segovia suggests that music transcends spoken or written languages; it communicates on a deeper, more spiritual level. It's not just sound or melody but an emotional expression that taps into our inner selves, allowing us to connect with others, understand feelings, and perhaps, explore the depths of human experience. Music can evoke joy, sadness, love, fear, or any other emotion, serving as a powerful tool for communication and bonding among people.


"The guitar is a sincere and eloquent instrument; it's more an extension of myself than an object to be mastered."

Andres Segovia considered the guitar not merely as an object to be controlled, but as an extension of himself. This suggests a deep emotional connection between him and his instrument. He perceived the guitar as a means of self-expression, a tool through which he could communicate sincerely and eloquently. His mastery was not just technical proficiency, but rather an intimate understanding and interpretation of the music, making every performance a personal expression.


"My aim has always been to find the poetry in every piece I play, rather than just the notes."

Andres Segovia's statement emphasizes that he strives not only to accurately play the written notes of a composition but also to bring out its underlying emotions, narrative, and beauty - essentially, to find the poetic essence within the music. This approach transforms a simple collection of musical notes into a profound artistic expression.


"In my work I am guided by two convictions: that a performer should strive to create his own individual style, and that he must above all respect the composer's intentions."

Andres Segovia emphasizes the importance of personal artistry and respect for the original intention of the composer in music performance. This quote suggests that musicians should seek to develop their unique style while honoring the vision and creativity of the composer, thus ensuring a harmonious balance between individual expression and faithful interpretation.


"It is not enough for a musician to have talent; he must also have passion and perseverance."

This quote emphasizes that mere natural ability (talent) is insufficient for a successful music career. A musician must possess not only talent but also an intense, driving passion for their craft and the relentless perseverance to pursue it tirelessly. Passion fuels creativity and dedication, while perseverance ensures one can overcome challenges and continue progressing despite obstacles. In essence, this quote suggests that music is a pursuit of both skill and heart.


When I began, the guitar was en-closed in a vicious circle. There were no composers writing for the guitar, be-cause there were no virtuoso guitarists.

- Andres Segovia

Guitar, Began, Composers, Vicious

When one puts up a building one makes an elaborate scaffold to get everything into its proper place. But when one takes the scaffold down, the building must stand by itself with no trace of the means by which it was erected. That is how a musician should work.

- Andres Segovia

Down, Proper, Elaborate, Musician

The guitar is a small orchestra. It is polyphonic. Every string is a different color, a different voice.

- Andres Segovia

Voice, Small, String, Orchestra

Whoever heard of an electric violin, electric cello or, for that matter, an electric singer?

- Andres Segovia

Singer, Violin, Whoever, Cello

I've had three wives and three guitars. I still play the guitars.

- Andres Segovia

Play, Still, Had, Guitars

The advice I am giving always to all my students is above all to study the music profoundly... music is like the ocean, and the instruments are little or bigger islands, very beautiful for the flowers and trees.

- Andres Segovia

Music, Always, Very, Islands

Among God's creatures two, the dog and the guitar, have taken all the sizes and all the shapes, in order not to be separated from the man.

- Andres Segovia

Guitar, Two, Creatures, Separated

Lean your body forward slightly to support the guitar against your chest, for the poetry of the music should resound in your heart.

- Andres Segovia

Music, Slightly, Chest, Guitar

The piano is a monster that screams when you touch its teeth.

- Andres Segovia

Teeth, You, Touch, Piano

You know what I think? If I am tired now, I don't mind, because I have eternity to rest.

- Andres Segovia

Mind, Think, Eternity, Tired

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