List of modern Russian guitar virtuosos. The most virtuoso and best guitarists in the world

Seven-string guitar with a classic body, made according to the late 19th century model from mahogany, maple, wenge and spruce

The ways of development of guitar art in Russia are peculiar and original. Being a five-string guitar, the guitar was brought to Russia by Italian musicians in the 18th century, but did not become widespread, remaining an exotic decoration. Later, in early XIX century, the Russian public became acquainted with the “Spanish” six-string guitar, which by that time had become quite popular in Europe. It was presented in Russia by famous foreign guitarists M. Giuliani, F. Sor and others.

Victory in Patriotic War 1812 extremely accelerated the growth of national self-awareness and caused an upsurge of patriotic feelings and sentiments in all layers of society. Interest in the historical past of the Motherland is rapidly growing, folk art, in particular to folk songs. Urban romance is gaining wide popularity. Based on everyday folklore, it represents a unique layer of Russian musical culture with characteristic structure and melosom, with expressive means unique to it.

Academician B. Asafiev wrote about this in his work “Musical Form as a Process”: “There was no psychological realism with its analysis of personal mental life yet, the romantics had not yet gone on a rampage, putting forward a culture of feeling, and the masses were already eager to hear “simple speech” and heartfelt and exciting melody; for the dominance of nepotism, sensitivity, the cult of “simple morals” of simple-minded people and “homeliness”, tenderness for nature, quiet contemplation was approaching. The intonations corresponding to all this evoked in the music a romantic melody, sincere, heartfelt; both words and melody, for the most part which did not lay claim to long-term development, was covered by a single intonation structure - “sounding from heart to heart”" 1 .

Appeared in last decade The 18th century seven-string guitar, with its harmonic structure and timbre color, turned out to be very close to the nature of the Russian folk song and the urban romance genre that arose on its basis. Its use to accompany the voice made it possible to most subtly reveal the lyricism of intimate experiences that constitute the main theme of urban romance. Best works of this genre, created by A. Alyabyev, A. Varlamov, Titov and other talented composers, entered the golden fund of Russian music.

Russian musicians, realizing what great opportunities lie in seven string guitar, they are beginning to create a solo repertoire for her. First, they rearrange for her excerpts from popular operas and other works by Russian and foreign composers. Then they create variation cycles, quite complex in texture and concert in character, based on folk melodies. (As a striking example, let us cite A. Sihra’s variation cycle on the theme of the Russian song “Among the Flat Valley.”) In addition to the variations, miniatures are created, graceful and melodic, touching the soul of a simple Russian person. Attempts are also being made to create a large form, in particular a sonata, a concerto for guitar and orchestra.

Andrey Osipovich Sihra

Russian guitar virtuoso and composer Andrei Osipovich Sihra (1773-1850)

The extraordinary popularity of the seven-string guitar attracted talented musicians to it. An outstanding role in the creation of the national guitar school belongs to Andrei Osipovich Sihra. A wonderful virtuoso guitarist and talented composer, he is undoubtedly the founder of the Russian school of playing the seven-string guitar.

A. Sihra was born in 1773 in Vilna (present-day Vilnius) in the family of a music teacher. In his youth he performed in concerts as a harpist, played six string guitar. Then he became interested in the seven-string guitar, to which he dedicated his entire life. In 1801, the musician moved to Moscow, where he began to create a repertoire for the seven-string guitar and study with his first students.

Sihra, a talented musician, a friendly and charming person, soon became the idol of numerous students and fans.

After Napoleon was expelled from Russia, Sihra moved to St. Petersburg, which he did not leave until the end of his life (he died in 1850). Here he, already a mature musician and teacher, creates his own school of playing the seven-string guitar...

A. Sihra was not only a talented, but also a highly educated musician. He was highly valued by M. Glinka, A. Dargomyzhsky, A. Varlamov, A. Dubuk, D. Field and many other figures of national culture. Famous singer O. Petrov studied guitar with Sihra. The Biographical Dictionary of the Russian Historical Society called Sikhra “the patriarch of Russian guitarists.” Of his students, the most famous are S. Aksenov, N. Alexandrov, V. Morkov, V. Sarenko, V. Svintsov.

If Sihra was recognized as the head of the St. Petersburg school of seven-string guitar with its characteristic strict “academic” style, then the founder of the Moscow school is rightfully considered Mikhail Timofeevich Vysotsky, whose life and work is another page in the history of Russian guitar art.

Of Vysotsky's students, the most famous were P. Belosein, A. Vetrov, I. Lyakhov, M. Stakhovich and others.

The era of Sihra and Vysotsky is the “golden age” of the Russian seven-string guitar. Its widespread use contributed to the democratization of the art of music.

Variation cycles of Russian guitarists-composers were created on the basis of Russian folk songs. This unique layer of Russian musical culture is an important source for the study of folklore.

The Russian seven-string guitar, sounded in the hands of talented musicians, inspired poets and writers to create beautiful lines of poetry.

A. Pushkin called the guitar “sweet-voiced.” Words full of lyricism dedicated to this instrument can also be found in M. Lermontov, A. Fet, I. Bunin, A. Grigoriev, L. Tolstoy, A. Ostrovsky, M. Gorky.

The guitar is depicted in many paintings by Russian and Western European artists: V. Tropinin, V. Perov, I. Repin, An. Watteau, B. Murillo, Fr. Khalsa, P. Picasso and others.

IN mid-19th century, interest in the guitar is declining not only in Russia, but also in Europe. However, in late XIX- at the beginning of the 20th century, the seven-string guitar begins to reassert itself. This was largely facilitated by the activities of enthusiastic musicians who tried to restore the traditions of Sihra and Vysotsky. The most famous of them were A. Soloviev and V. Rusanov.

Outstanding Russian guitarist and teacher Alexander Petrovich Solovyov (1856-1911)

Alexander Petrovich Soloviev(1856-1911) - a prominent performer and teacher. He raised many gifted students, such as V. Rusanov, V. Uspensky, V. Yuryev, V. Berezkin and others; created the School (published in 1896), which was the best at that time.

Valerian Alekseevich Rusanov(1866-1918) - famous historiographer and promoter of the Russian seven-string guitar. He organized the publication of the all-Russian magazine “Guitarist” (1904-1906).

In the period after the Great October Socialist Revolution, M. Ivanov, V. Yuryev, V. Sazonov, R. Meleshko did a lot to popularize the seven-string guitar. They created schools and tutorials for this instrument, original compositions, adaptations and transcriptions, and compiled numerous collections. M, Ivanov wrote the book “Russian seven-string guitar”. These musicians constantly performed as soloists and accompanists in concerts and recorded on gramophone records.

IN post-war years A new generation of seven-string guitar performers has grown up, which worthily continues the rich traditions of the national performing school. Among them: V. Vavilov, B. Okunev, B. Kim, S. Orekhov, A. Agibalov. The repertoire of the seven-string guitar was replenished during this time with works by composers N. Chaikin, B. Strannolyubsky, N. Narimanidze, N. Rechmensky, G. Kamaldinov, L. Birnov and others.

Nowadays there is a growing interest in the Russian seven-string guitar in the world. Let us express our hope that in further history New glorious pages will be written on this beautiful original musical instrument.

Notes

1 Asafiev B. Musical form as a process. 2nd ed. L., 1971, p. 257.

Producer's Column

A couple of years ago, when the press wrote that according to the results of sales for the year in musical instrument stores in London, the number of DJ turntables sold exceeded the number of guitars, it seemed that the plastic world had finally won. But suddenly, with the arrival of the spring of 2001, companies began to appear in courtyards again, singing songs with a guitar, in the subway at every step you meet young people with characteristic black covers on their backs, everything seemed to fall into place. The balance is being restored, and this is happening thanks, among others, to such guys as the team of the Russian Guitar Portal website. The portal combines several guitar-themed sites and was created through the interaction of Internet and guitar professionals.

IN music app the first New Year's magazine was published a joint project Publishing house "Salon Audio Video" and the portal website - "Gitarists of Russia". The title of the disc fully corresponds to the content; it contains guitar music various styles and directions performed by instrument masters. We deliberately try to avoid the epithet “best” so as not to cause disputes about tastes. Along with eminent professionals, the work of young virtuosos is presented here. The music is so diverse that I think everyone can find something for themselves.

Evgeny Ilnitsky "Papa John".

GUITARISTS OF RUSSIA

Despite the fact that the guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments, guitar music in Russia is semi-underground. Musicians of this genre often known only to specialists. Every day on the radio we hear them play dozens of times and don’t know their names. These people, as a rule, work behind the backs of popular artists as session musicians, and a rare national hit happens without their participation. For many, working with pop artists is a way to make a living, and their own creative ambitions find expression in guitar music. U guitar music there is no regular serious press, “unpromoted” concerts are held occasionally, and albums recorded with one’s own money are released in small editions. We hope that the release of our disc will at least partially fill this gap.

The guitar is a truly folk instrument, millions of children learn all these “ladders” and “asterisks” in the summer in the courtyards and in the winter in the entrances, mastering the “barre” and “picks”. Talking to famous musicians, it turns out that many started in the same way, with songs with a guitar in a company where the person who owns the guitar always enjoys authority. It was the guitar and innovations in extracting and processing its sound that determined the development of the entire popular music second half of the 20th century. And it is no coincidence that the bygone century was called the century of the guitar, the century of rock and roll.

Alexey Kuznetsov- patriarch of the national guitar school, author of popular teaching aids and one of the best jazz musicians countries that participated in many famous projects together with many jazz stars Russia. For a long time, Kuznetsov worked in the variety and symphony orchestra of the USSR State Television and Radio and Cinematography Orchestra, where he collaborated with such classics as Mikael Tariverdiev and Mikhail Petrov, and participated in the recording of music for domestic films." Cruel romance", "17 Moments of Spring" and many others. Our collection presents a piece by Alexey Kuznetsov, performed by him in a duet with another oldest Russian guitarist - Nikolai Gromin, with whom Kuznetsov played back in the 50s.

Dmitry Chetvergov- a versatile guitarist who plays freely in any style. For many years, Chetvergov has been the most sought-after session guitarist in Russia, having recorded an incredible number of guitar parts with the stars of Russian popular music. IN solo work Dmitry experiments with modern sounds and music technologies. The two plays presented in the collection perfectly illustrate this fact. The song Propeller-Chet uses a sample from the Propellerheads, hence the name.

Dmitry Maloletov- this is the presenter Russian specialist on the “piano technique” of playing the guitar (two-handed tapping). Both studio and concert musician worked with many Russian stars. A few characteristic quotes from an interview with Dmitry Maloletov: “...the guitar for me is not just a craftsman’s instrument, it is a unique field of knowledge - the science of the guitar, in which I am more of an experimenter than a professor. I am convinced that two-handed tapping is - new level in the development of the guitar.", "playing for all occasions - from flamenco to atonal fusion - this is the specificity of our Russian guitarists."

Ivan Smirnov- composer, guitar virtuoso, creator unique direction opening up new development paths modern music and returning musical creativity to domestic roots. Smirnov’s style harmoniously combines the most modern, most relevant musical forms with a Russian worldview. Over the past few years, the press has recognized Smirnov as the best acoustic guitarist Russia. Leading world-class performers (guitarists Al Di Meola, Alan Holdsworth) are familiar with Smirnov’s work and give him high praise. His first album, “Carousel Grandfather,” was called a “musical sensation” by critics at the time of its release and sold a record number of copies for this kind of music.

Igor Boyko- guitarist, composer, paying a lot of attention to improvisation. The defining direction in creativity is music in the style of jazz fusion. Igor, like most of the guitarists presented on the album, works with pop stars on concert venues and in the studio. Already for a long time takes part in the Valery Syutkin Ensemble as an instrumentalist and author; long-standing creative ties connect him with jazz singer, composer and pianist Sergei Manukyan. Igor has recorded several solo albums. In addition to the rich concert activities, Igor Boyko is engaged in educational and pedagogical work, being the author of two books dedicated to the art of guitar.

Not so long ago Valery Didyulya was a street musician, in this role he traveled across half of Europe. He studied guitar in the birthplace of flamenco - Spain. Last year, Didyulya was recognized as the best guitarist in his homeland - Belarus. Now lives and works in Russia and. is preparing to release his second album. Valery's style is original flamenco music, Latin American acoustic guitar music in modern fashionable dance arrangements. Currently, he works closely with many popular music performers.

May Lian on the professional stage since 1984, in the late 80s and early 90s he worked at the Alla Pugacheva Theater. After that, over three years of travel, I gained experience in session work in 14 European countries. Returning to Russia in 1993, he released the country's first video school for playing the guitar; the circulation of the two parts of the video school is approaching 500,000 copies. Mei Lian's instrumental compositions are distinguished by their bright images and non-standard harmonic construction. Individual style of execution, using shades oriental flavor, makes this guitarist easily recognizable on the stage.

Alexander Vasilenko has extensive experience in orchestral work. In the late 70s, while still a very young man, he began in the State Orchestra of Latvia "Neptune", in subsequent years he worked in the USSR State Television and Radio Orchestra under the direction of A. Petukhov and in the orchestra of the State Academic Bolshoi Theater. And in 1994 he won 1st place in the Blues Guitar category in the guitar competition of the television program Jam. Such contrasting stages creative path characterize the width of Alexander Vasilenko’s stylistic range - from academic music to rock.

Levan Lomidze- blues guitarist Georgian origin. Creative activity began at the Tbilisi Philharmonic under the patronage of Vakhtang Kikabidze (Vakhtang’s son was the drummer in the ensemble where Lomidze played). In the late 80s, Levan Lomidze's group became "the first Georgian rock band to release a record." In the early nineties he moved to Moscow with Blues group Cousins. The energy of the musicians can only be envied; from the time of the emergence of music clubs to this day, Levan Lomidze’s group remains the most actively performing blues group in the capital. Levan dedicated the work presented in our collection to his wife Madonna Lomidze.

The composition "Summer Light", written and performed by a Moscow guitarist Dmitry Rantsev impressed us with her energy, melody and ingenuity in phrasing. Dmitry is mainly known to listeners from his work in Leonid Agutin’s group. The presented piece was recorded in collaboration with bassist Sergei Zakharov, keyboardist Alexander Smirnov and arranger Roman Trofimov.

Anton Tsygankov- a very young guitarist, the hope of Russian guitar music. Anton, like his colleagues in the guitar shop, works with pop performers, steadily improving his professional skills, and has already distinguished himself by taking prizes in several guitar competitions. Experts predict a great future for him.

The material was prepared by Evgeniy Ilnitsky (Papa John) and Sergei Tyncu (stnk). Thanks for help in preparing the disc to Alexander Avduevsky (Cyco), Serge Ivanov, Dmitry Frolov (DF), Nastya, Fingy.

Learning to play the guitar is only half the battle. In order to play a string instrument masterfully, you need real talent and constant practice.

And some have been so successful in this matter that they have shown truly phenomenal results. Who exactly can bear the title of the most fast guitarist in the world?

The fastest composition is “Flight of the Bumblebee”

“Flight of the Bumblebee” from Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”

If you carefully study the opera, the phrase “Flight of the Bumblebee” will not be found there at all. However, this name was firmly attached to the music. The musicians say that this piece is distinguished by incredibly fast performance. And the main task of the artist is to play at great speed. And it is not surprising that guitarists practice playing this particular composition to develop their skills. And here's who was especially successful in execution.

The fastest guitarist in Russia

Virtuoso musician Viktor Zinchuk, who also works as a composer and arranger, has a number of other regalia. He is a laureate international festivals and competitions, he was awarded the prestigious titles Golden Guitar of Russia and Honored Artist of Russia, he has the Order “For Service to Art” in his collection. And that is not all. He is also an Honorary Master and Associate Professor of the International Academy of Sciences of the Republic of San Marino.

The musician’s work, by the way, cannot be attributed to a specific style or genre. He plays different directions– from fusion to hard rock. In addition, it combines a variety of playing techniques and instruments.

The composer's collection of games is truly impressive. He has about three dozen rare string instruments. He brought almost everything from various tours. This is both a solid wood Bolivian guitar and Celtic harp, and the zither, and the Irish bouzouki. And the leaders of the world market of musical instruments, namely the American company Fender and the Japanese Ibanes, every year present their best guitars and guitar equipment. Such gifts are given to him as a sign international recognition his talent.

“Flight of the Bumblebee” from virtuoso guitarist Viktor Zinchuk

It is worth noting that Viktor Zinchuk plays with only nine fingers, and not all ten. The musician has a non-working little finger right hand. The artist broke his finger while playing football. However, the composer insured his valuable hands with an insurance company for $500 thousand.

The fastest guitarist combines playing instruments with playing football. The artist plays for a team of show business stars, despite his once injured finger. And he evaluates his entry into the international Guinness Book of Records as “pampering” and a “circus act.” He repeatedly stated this in his interviews. According to him, he set the record as a joke and does not take it seriously.

Fastest Guitarist

Thiago Della Viga was born in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. And the young man became interested in music early childhood. At the age of five he already learned to play the guitar. Over time, Thiago realized that his interest in the electric guitar gradually turned into passion. Therefore, he began to pay more and more attention to the musical instrument.

The guitarist began to practice playing the strings for several hours a day. And after just a short time, he achieved phenomenal execution speed. He demonstrated his abilities and capabilities in the groups AfterDark and Fermatha.

Thiago Della Vega - the fastest guitarist plays "Flight of the Bumblebee"

And already in 2008, Thiago was in record fast pace– 320 sounds per minute – played “Flight of the Bumblebee”. A few years later, the record was broken by American John Taylor. He performed “Flight of the Bumblebee” at a speed of 600 sounds per minute. In 2011, the musician broke his own and a new record, and played the same composition at a tempo of now 750 sounds per minute. Immediately after this, Thiago was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most virtuoso guitarist in the world. But the master doesn’t stop there either. He continues to improve his game and hold the prestigious title.

By the way, Thiago is now traveling around different countries world and conducts special seminars for his colleagues. In his lessons, he plays a seven-string guitar, which has 24 frets and is equipped with a Floyd Rose tremolo, the Andrellis TDV.

The fastest guitarist in the world

At first, the native of Donetsk was able to play 27 notes per second, and a little later he surpassed himself and played 300 notes on an electric guitar in less than 10 seconds. Immediately after demonstrating his abilities, Sergei was awarded a certificate that confirms his absolute championship in Ukraine. Interview with the fastest guitarist in Ukraine

Now Sergei Putyatov’s record has not been officially registered, but the musician wants to get into the Guinness Book of Records at all costs. By the way, he has already submitted an application there and is waiting for the commission’s visit. In the meantime, he ends each of his performances with a demonstration of his super guitar playing.

The success of the guitarists can only be envied; all the records remain to be recorded in the Book of Records. In our next article you can read about the most expensive guitars in the world, because without an instrument it’s just a person with musical abilities, and with a guitar - a musician.
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Many of those who want to learn how to play this musical instrument, like a guitar, they dream of one day becoming world famous and winning the hearts of fans, performing high-quality and memorable music. Despite the fact that playing the guitar is quite difficult, this particular instrument has become one of the most famous in the whole world. You can hear guitar chords not only at concerts, but also on the streets, in small companies outdoors, etc. Each of the musicians who achieved worldwide fame and recognition went through a very long and thorny path. A lot of effort and patience was spent, great will and desire for their goal was demonstrated. Not without love for his fans and, of course, the instrument.

Since there are several types of guitars, then talk about best musicians, which beginners will look up to, should be separately. Make one common list It’s simply impossible, because every guitarist has his own, distinctive style of playing, which many will not even be able to repeat. Who are they, the most famous guitarists peace? Surely many will be interested in learning about who is included in conditional list the most famous guitarists in Russia.

Legends of the music world

All famous bass guitarists of our time have heard the name of one of the best people who played this instrument. This is Paul McCartney. His history as a bass player began under the following circumstances: he often replaced bassist Stuart Sutcliffe when he took over as guitarist in Lennon's band. However, when the unlucky bassist left the group for good, Paul had to take his place and “work” with the instrument seriously. At first he was very dissatisfied with the current situation and grumbled constantly. However, time passed, and soon he was rightfully recognized as one of the greatest musicians.

The category of “famous bass guitarists” includes the not very well-known to the public, but very talented musician Jaco Pastorius. This great person did so much for musical world, that among professionals it is even customary to separate two time periods - before and after Jaco. No modern music critic can give precise definition Jaco's playing style. His improvement and “throwing” from style to style, excellent success in playing the bass guitar remains to this day visual aid for many musicians. In addition, this man of genius recorded solo album, who was nominated for a Grammy twice, and many years later continues to bear the honorary title “ Best Album among bass players."

What is worth knowing about the classics?

It's quite difficult to start compiling a list of famous classical guitarists. There are many people who have dedicated their lives, and each of them is worthy of respect and glory. Therefore, we can mention many guitar classics, whose names, perhaps, someone will see for the first time. But this is an excellent chance to get acquainted in more detail with the life history, merits and creativity of each of them. These are Matteo Carcassi, Fernando Carulli, Dionisio Aguado, Tárrega Eixea Francisco, Andres Segovia, Emilio Pujol, Augustin Barrios, Maria Luisa Anido, Codina Jose Broca, Ferranti Marc Aurelius de Zanni, Bartolome Calatayud, Angel S. Villoldo, Legnani Luigi, Heitor Vila -Lobos, Mauro Giuliani, Fernando Sor.

Among the contemporaries, the following names should be noted: John Williams Julian Brim, Leo Brouwer, Vladimir Mikula, Ernesto Bitetti, Jose Maria Gallardo Del Rey, Roland Diens, Katsuhito Yamashita, Manuel Barrueco, Pepe Romero. This is not the entire list, but the most famous classical guitarists who made a huge contribution to music.

Famous names in solo play

As for the category “Famous solo guitarists,” here we should focus on representatives of rock music. It is here that musicians can often express themselves in their full glory.

First place without a drop of doubt should be given to Ritchie Blackmore. Each of his works is filled with incredible mysticism and deep philosophy. Moreover, over time, his creations became more and more slow and thoughtful. This unique person made the works of such groups as Blackmore’s Night, Rainbow, Deep Purple. Bravo, Richie!

Second place can be shared by David Gilmour and Kirk Hammett. These people have incredible talent that not only gives you goosebumps musical works, but also to truly enjoy their creativity. Two famous groups– Pink Floyd and Metallica were honored to have such guitarists.

In fact, there is quite an extensive list of famous solo guitarists. Each of the musicians must be given their due place in it. Perhaps a book will not be enough to perpetuate their names. Among them are Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Carlos Santa, Tony Iomi, Pete Townshend, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton and many others.

Popular people from different directions

The most famous jazz guitarist, according to most publications and music critics– Django Reinhardt. He is one of the first European musicians to embrace the unusual style of playing. Another famous jazz guitarist is Charlie Christian.

The most famous rock guitarist of all time (although looking at his virtuoso playing, it's not just rock) is Jimi Hendrix. This legendary man is recognized as such not only for his incredible pirouettes with the instrument, but also for the naturalness and pleasure that he received and gave to all his listeners.

Eric Clapton Brian May, George Harrison, Duane Allman, Angus Young - each of them is a great and very famous rock guitarist who rightfully deserves such a title.

All the people mentioned above are the most famous guitarists in the world, who have done what many modern musicians cannot do. We must not forget that this is not the entire list that is worth familiarizing yourself with.

By the way, the most famous guitarists in Russia also deserve special attention listeners and readers. Among them, the most significant are Alexey Kuznetsov, Dmitry Maloletov, Dmitry Chetvergov, Igor Boyko, Valery Didyulya, Victor Zinchuk, Sergey Mavrin, Vladimir Kuzmin, Ivan Smirnov and others.