The best Russian guitarists electric guitar. The fastest guitarist in the world
Shared observations - Sergei Tyncu
Of course, there are many more of them (breeds and hybrids). But if we talk about the basic ones, or rather the first ones that came to mind, that is, the ones most often encountered by the author, then here they are, such as those described below. One could easily put several names under each of the points, but I would not want to thereby give anyone a reason to be offended if the person himself sees and presents himself somewhat differently than the author. Therefore, we will leave the names for private conversations.
Teacher Wise
These seemingly humble ministers of the church of guitar excellence are perhaps the strictest judges of almost all guitarists. If only you knew, their tired eyes have seen so much in this life and their strong fingers have run everywhere. The wise teachers who give private lessons know and can do everything, so against their background any guitarist feels naked and imperfect. They look successful people. Stable income, no bosses, no need to go on tours and concerts, a loyal army of loyal fans from among students, good opportunities sell musical equipment to the kneeling congregation. But often (not always, however) for many people there is so much boredom in their speeches and their music... that such a teacher in your mind is no longer wise at all, but (cloudy? muddy? boring?)...
Cheerful huckster
They love music very much and would like to work somewhere near guitars all their lives. And they succeeded. Flexible schedule, good income, relaxed fiddling around with tools. I am my own boss. From the outside it looks like an illustration to the picture “life is good.” However, you should never idealize the existence of, for example, an elite prostitute... or a guitar dealer. There are downsides everywhere. All these guys have bad karma. They sell different tools - both good and bad. If we talk about the latter, then, using their sociability and good erudition to the fullest, they have to lie a lot and manipulate facts, presenting outright nonsense as truth, praising this or that log.
Pop eagle
These guys can play really well and for the most part got some decent music. education. As a rule, they lack one particular style and for themselves they prefer to create a fusion with elements of everything in the world. In other scenarios, they could have become guitar stars of the first magnitude, but... “Institute exams session” there is a traditional story that it is impossible to live on such music, so you need to get a job with Russian pop stars, where they pay normally, and the content of the work itself does not cause no difficulties in terms of professional skills. Of course, there are not enough rich (and most importantly non-greedy) pop stars for everyone, so someone has to pull the strap of a hired worker in domestic rock projects. Of course, during the first years of working in our show business, they think that this is all temporary, that they will someday go into real music, record an album and devote themselves to art, breaking out of the vicious circle of “barge haulers on the Volga”. As a rule, none of this is realized, and if the album eventually appears, then the number of its listeners is so small that “you can’t kindle a fire of joy with this wood.”
Fashion blogger
Narrow-profile specialist
Infinitely in love with a particular style - jazz, blues, reggae, flamenco, metal, etc. This person can be either a professional working in some kind of music project or an educational institution, or simply a frantic enthusiast who happily dives to such depths that just to understand them will require appropriate special training. It is impossible not to respect such passionate people, even though they are not always understandable and are not always needed by others. But, of course, sometimes you can envy them - they found their passion, surrendered to it and became happy.
Hungry addict
This person receives inspiration and a good mood at the time of purchase. new guitar or amplifier. Most of my free time is devoted to shopping. This person always monitors domestic and Western flea markets. He is aware of all prices. He buys the most interesting guitars. The only problem with these tools is that after some time they cease to please and the body begins to ask for a new dose. Accordingly, such people are always concerned about business. They need to have time to sell the old and buy new. Perpetual motion, Paganini would say about them. Very often, Hungry Addicts turn out to be hucksters. But not always, since in order to be successful in business, you need to focus on purchasing tools that are popular on the market, and not on your personal taste, which increasingly rare models are able to please.
Family Prisoner
This person can always be recognized by his slightly haunted, sad look. The problem is that he never has enough. Money to buy the instruments of your dreams, time to play according to your wishes, talent to reach a high level of skill, a bottle of beer to feel good. He seems to be trying his best and trying to snatch both money and time, but family, work... and as a result, the relationship with the guitar, despite all the love for it, is not in the first place, which upsets them extremely. Sometimes such people manage to carve out an evening or two a week for rehearsals in the company of equally tortured prisoners of city life. Sometimes they even perform in public somewhere. But this is always so little that their hearts do not have time to fill with happiness.
Unyielding Maniac
As a rule, this is an elderly person with traces of sleepless nights and excess alcohol. He is covered with tattoos and hair, dressed like a real rock musician - you won’t confuse him with anyone. Once upon a time he decided that music was the main thing in his life. And since then he has directed all his strength, means and thoughts only to music. He saves on everything, he doesn’t have a decent job, he doesn’t have a family. But there are constant rehearsals and attempts to climb somewhere to the top. And success seems to be constantly wandering around, and a sea of acquaintances have already become real musicians, and you keep storming and storming your first height. There is no way to become a real pro, have regular concerts, go on tours and make a living from music. But you don’t give up and until you grow old you bang your head against doors that are closed to you. To admit to yourself that being a musician is not your thing, or that you can’t make music that is interesting to people - you have neither the strength nor desires for such confessions - you consider them weakness and betrayal. Your friends have long been accustomed to the fact that you do not go to bars with them, because instead of a few glasses of beer you can buy new strings, time at the rehearsal facility and other necessary things for a bright future, in the coming of which no one but you believes.
Successful pro
Successful pros are distinguished by two factors. Firstly, he plays music that he himself likes and to the creation of which he himself had a hand in. And secondly, it's always full creative plans. He constantly lives in the future, some projects and ideas, of which he has a wagon and a small cart. He has no problems with finances to buy the necessary equipment, he has no problems with concerts. All the main life issues have been resolved and therefore he is all about creativity. He approaches instruments as paints with which he wants to express certain moments in his art.
A high-spirited manager
These people do not work in music, but they managed to arrange everything in such a way that it is possible to pay enough attention to music. They don't climb to the top of Olympus. They're just having fun. They have good source income, there is time and money, there are associates, there is the opportunity to rehearse in pleasant conditions and occasionally perform, again not for the sake of money and fame, but simply for yourself and some of your friends. As a rule, they play very well and not every viewer can distinguish them from professionals. But it’s no coincidence that a high-spirited manager is a manager – he has a good idea of what life is professional musician, the struggle for a place in the sun and other things. That's why he doesn't rush there. He’s already happy with everything – he organized everything perfectly. And eat some fish and get into a Bentley.
Tavern labukh
Music for such people is just a job. And not my favorite one. Your whole life you've been playing the same other people's songs in front of a drinking, guzzling crowd. Few people, when starting to learn guitar, dream of eventually getting into a tavern full-time and playing “shizgara” until they are gray-haired. However, not everyone has a choice in the end. This is not to say that playing covers in pubs is a completely tragic fate. Not at all, especially if after this musical work you can drink half of the fee there. This even has its own romance. Very often tavern people have some interesting past. But they almost never have a future. If only similar work is not something temporary, episodic, due to youth, etc. There is a sea in all this sad irony– many musicians dream of getting into a tavern in order to have some kind of income, and many dream of breaking out of it.
Brave young lady
Most people on planet Earth are firmly convinced that football and guitars are not at all feminine activities. However, despite this point of view that smacks of chauvinism, there are many girls who personal example trying to prove their right to football and guitar. We can say that these are brave young ladies because they have to fight social stereotypes. This is not to say that using female hands in guitar playing is such a hopeless idea. There is a demand for women in show business. Firstly, this women's groups of all calibers - from taverns to pop projects at the federal level, and, secondly, even if the group is not entirely female, the presence of a pretty girl on stage is always an element of attractiveness. Jeff Beck realized this a long time ago. In general, there have always been girls trying to play the guitar, although there have never been many of them. Well, maybe one in five hundred men with guitars.
Session monster
Passionate guys who have a huge fleet of guitars and gadgets. These “call men” can play in almost any style, mixing different techniques like a deft bartender in cocktails. Usually, such guys have very little time, since they are busy in dozens of different projects, and when they are not busy, they devote themselves to learning something new and unusual for themselves. Not all of these professionals are pleasant to listen to. It often happens that because of universality, a certain artistic value their games. But when you come across a truly gifted musician, you can really enjoy his varied playing.
Optimistic “student”
This is a temporary state of a person who is all in the future. Both his successes and his failures are all yet to come. In the meantime, he is learning to play, creating bands, trying to compose his first material, joyfully trying out new guitars and gaining fresh knowledge about the big rock and roll showbiz. Of course, such a person is full of optimism, because if you don’t believe in success and a bright future, then why even get down to business. Of course, as statistics show, 99% of such optimists will not achieve anything musically interesting or significant. But there will be positive memories of how you and your friends once upon a time made a group and tried to build a project.
Comes from childhood
Once upon a time, in their youth, they were serious about guitar playing. And then they grew up and started some kind of adult life. But music remained in their lives. And the guitar is still at home, having moved into the category of men’s hobbies somewhere next to “drinking beer” and “watching football” on Fridays after work. That is, without excessive fanaticism. Occasionally and purely for the soul. You can call it a habit. Of course, they continue to follow the guitar world, communicate with fellow guitar hobbyists, and even attend some guitar concerts, or even master classes. But there is no passion in this. You can call it pensioner guitarism. Very often, the guitar hobby simply covers some kind of emptiness in life and the fear of being left alone with everyday life. The guitar in this case acts as a life preserver and close friend, which a person turns to not so often, but is quite effective in terms of a beneficial effect on state of mind. Let's be honest, a lot of people's lives are pretty boring; the guitar in this case is a way to escape and brighten up this boredom. Why not?
The ways of development of guitar art in Russia are peculiar and original. Being a five-string guitar, the guitar was brought to Russia Italian musicians in the 18th century, but did not become widespread, remaining an exotic decoration. Later, at the beginning of the 19th 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 the Patriotic War of 1812 greatly accelerated the growth national identity, caused a rise in patriotic feelings and sentiments in all layers of society. Interest in the historical past of the Motherland, in folk art, in particular in folk songs, is rapidly growing. Urban romance is gaining wide popularity. Based on everyday folklore, it represents a unique layer of Russian musical culture with a characteristic structure and melody, 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 not claiming long-term development, they were covered by a single intonation system - “sounding from heart to heart”1.
The seven-string guitar, which appeared in the last decade of the 18th century, with its harmonic structure and timbre coloring, turned out to be very close to the nature of Russian folk song and the genre of urban romance 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. The best works of this genre, created by A. Alyabyev, A. Varlamov, Titov and other talented composers, were included in the golden fund of Russian music.
Russian musicians, realizing the great possibilities inherent in the seven-string guitar, are beginning to create a solo repertoire for it. 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 shining example let's call 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.
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 Sikhra. A remarkable virtuoso guitarist, a 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 (now Vilnius) in the family of a music teacher. In his youth he performed in concerts as a harpist and played the 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. The famous singer O. Petrov studied guitar with Sihra. Biographical Dictionary of 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 Solovyov (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) is a 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 the post-war years, a new generation of seven-string guitar players grew 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.
From the history of the seven-string guitar. XVIII-XIX centuries
Nowadays, it is almost impossible to imagine a Russian folk song without a seven-string guitar. However, it gained popularity, displacing the balalaika from the everyday life of the urban population, relatively recently - in the 19th century. Since then, every person gifted musical abilities along with the love for folk songs and Russian culture, pays tribute to this wonderful musical instrument, although, of course, today six string guitar much more in demand and popular both among pop professionals and among music lovers.
Russian musicians and seven-string guitar
The guitar was the favorite instrument of many famous Russian musicians. A. Alyabyev, A. Varlamov, A. Zhilin, I. Khandoshkin and many other figures of Russian musical culture of the 18th-19th centuries gave preference to the Russian seven-string guitar. In this article we will talk about only some of them: G. A. Rachinsky, A. E. Varlamov, A. A. Alyabyev, P. A. Bulakhov, O. A. Petrov.
Gavrila Andreevich Rachinsky
Gavrila Andreevich Rachinsky (1777-1843) was born in the city of Novgorod-Seversky, in Ukraine. A wonderful violinist and composer, he was very fond of the seven-string guitar, often played it in concerts, and composed variations and plays. For many years, Rachinsky's life was connected with Moscow. In 1795-1797 he studied at the gymnasium at Moscow University, and then quite long time worked there as a music teacher. From 1823 to 1840 G. Rachinsky was again in Moscow. It was during this period that he repeatedly toured St. Petersburg and other cities of Russia, which brought him fame as an outstanding artist.
It is characteristic that back in 1817, in Moskovskie Vedomosti (Nos. 24 and 27), G. Rachinsky notified about subscriptions to the publication of his twenty works for violin and seven-string guitar. Among ten guitar works, two variation cycles on Russian themes were mentioned folk songs“I walked through the flowers” and “Young young woman”, as well as five polonaises, a waltz, a march and a fantasy. But for reasons unknown to us, they were not published.
A man of versatile culture, a “Voltairian,” as they said then, G. Rachinsky was close to Moscow literary circles, in which his name was very popular. On various literary evenings he often played variations on themes of Russian and Ukrainian folk songs. At one of these evenings, dedicated to the memory of the poet and playwright N. N. Nikolev (his poems formed the basis of such popular songs, like “Soar higher, rush”, “In the evening the blush dawns”), G. Rachinsky performed his works on both the violin and guitar. Those gathered in the house of the pupil of the poet I. Maslov, a big fan of the seven-string guitar and the author of compositions for it, were delighted with the skill of the musician. “That evening,” noted the magazine “Son of the Fatherland” (1817, No. 9), “the violin in Rachinsky’s hands and the guitar itself became animated under his fingers and made him wonder.”
It is known that the remarkable musician created fantasies for the seven-string guitar “That evening I was at the postal yard” and “On the banks of the Desna”.
Russian composer Alexander Egorovich Varlamov (1801-1848), author of various popular romances and songs, which are considered folk by many
The creator of many popular romances, Alexander Egorovich Varlamov (1801-1848), was an excellent guitarist. His musical talent showed up early: on his own, the boy learned to play the piano, violin, cello, and guitar. At the age of ten, his father sent him to St. Petersburg, where he was enrolled in the staff of the Court Singing Chapel as a juvenile singer. Noticing the boy’s excellent abilities, the director of the choir, the outstanding Russian composer D. Bortnyansky, began to supervise his studies. According to A. Varlamov himself, he owes his excellent vocal school and subtle knowledge of vocal art to D. Bortnyansky. Having completed his musical education, A. Varlamov served for four years as a teacher of choristers in the church at the Russian embassy in The Hague. Here he already performs not only as a singer, but also as a guitarist. On February 19, 1851, the St. Petersburg newspaper “Northern Bee” wrote in the article “Memories of A.E. Varlamov”: “At another concert (in Brussels), to please the artist giving the concert, (he) played the Rode Variations on the guitar. The purity and fluency of playing a melodic instrument, unknown to many listeners at that time, aroused loud applause; the next day an expression of general gratitude for the pleasure given to the public was published in the French Brussels newspapers.” His performance in The Hague was not the only one; later, in Russia, he often performed as a guitarist in concerts and in the home circle.
In 1823, Varlamov returned to his homeland. He earns his living by teaching lessons in various educational institutions and private houses. At this time, the composer composed a lot, often performed his romances in concerts and among friends, but did not publish them. Since 1832, having received the position of conductor and “composer of music” of the Moscow imperial theaters, he settled in Moscow. Here Varlamov finds recognition and support in the Moscow artistic community. His talent was appreciated by the famous tragedian P. S. Mochalov, himself a singer and songwriter; poet and actor N. G. Tsygankov, to whose words A. Varlamov wrote a number of his romances; M. S. Shchepkin, A. N. Verstovsky and other figures of Russian culture.
A collection of the composer's romances, published in Moscow in 1833, brought him great fame. His songs spread with extraordinary speed and were sung by representatives of all classes. A. Varlamov’s romance “The Red Sarafan” became especially famous, which sounded, according to composer N. Titov, “both in the nobleman’s living room and in the peasant’s smoking hut.”
A. Varlamov wrote about 150 romances, most based on the words of Russian poets, some based on folk and his own texts. It is characteristic that the texture of the accompaniment of many of his romances is purely “guitar”, for this instrument was especially loved by him. A. Varlamov composed not only romances, but also theater and ballet music.
The last years of the composer's life are connected with St. Petersburg. Here he worked on a collection of folk songs, “Russian Singer,” which remained unfinished. In 1848, A. Varlamov died suddenly. In the Museum of Musical Culture named after. Glinka's manuscript of Varlamov's composition for voice accompanied by a seven-string guitar is kept in Moscow.
Russian composer Alexander Alexandrovich Alyabyev (1787-1851), author of the famous song “The Nightingale” based on verses by Anton Delvig
The multi-talented composer Alexander Aleksandrovich Alyabyev (1787-1851) also wrote for the guitar. Many of his vocal lyric creations were far ahead of their era. He enriched Russian music with new content and reflected in it the best, progressive aspirations. Advanced man of his time, participant Patriotic War 1812, he introduced into Russian vocal lyrics motives inherent in the civil poetics of the Decembrists, motives of patriotism, love of freedom, thoughts about the plight of the people, sympathy for the oppressed. Many of his works have become phenomena of lasting value.
Among his friends are the future Decembrists A. Bestuzhev-Marlinsky, P. Mukhanov, F. Glinka; writers A. Griboyedov, V. Dal, V. Odoevsky, famous partisan poet D. Davydov; composers A. Verstovsky and M. Vielgorsky.
Alyabyev's creative heritage is great: 6 operas, 20 vaudevilles, many works for orchestra and chamber ensembles, piano pieces, choral works, over 150 romances. Being an excellent connoisseur of the seven-string guitar, he masterfully arranged works by A. Sihra and S. Aksenov for it and the orchestra. They were first performed by concert guitarist V. Svintsov in 18271. In turn, the guitarists made brilliant arrangements of Alyabyev’s romances.
P. A. Bulakhov. V. I. Radivilov
Pyotr Aleksandrovich Bulakhov (c. 1793-1835), the father of the author of many popular romances P. P. Bulakhov, also played the seven-string guitar. He lived in Moscow and was a wonderful singer. Playing the guitar well, he often accompanied himself in concerts.
Interesting arrangements for guitar and orchestra belong to V. I. Radivilov, famous violinist and a balalaika player. So, on April 2, 1836, in a duet with P. Delvig, a student of M. Vysotsky, he played his composition for violin and guitar with orchestra. In the same concert, Delvig performed variations on the theme of the Russian song “I’ll tell you, mother, my head hurts” on a seven-string guitar.
Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka
The founder of Russian classical music, Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka, was also interested in the guitar. His acquaintance with Spanish folklore during a trip to Spain in 1845 was largely thanks to Spanish guitarists. The tunes of F. Castillo and especially F. Murciano, whom M. Glinka called “an amazing guitarist,” served him as material for creating such wonderful works, like “A Night in Madrid” and “Aragonese Jota”.
M. Glinka not only knew the guitar and many guitarists well, but also played it himself. The famous composer and pianist A. Dubuk recalled: “Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka often listened to the playing of O. A (the famous opera singer O. A. Petrov, a student of Sihra), it happened that he himself took the guitar and picked out chords on it”2.
Russian opera singer and guitarist Osip Afanasyevich Petrov (1807-1878). Portrait by Konstantin Makovsky (1870)
It is interesting that the outstanding singer Osip Afanasyevich Petrov (1807-1878) was an outstanding guitarist who studied with A. Sihra. The undoubted recognition of his achievements is evidenced by the fact that A. Sihra placed his arrangement of the Haberbir etude in his School. O. Petrov learned to play the guitar back in early childhood. Interesting facts about this, as well as about the existence of guitars in Russian province, quotes V. Yastrebov: “It should be assumed that Petrov learned to play the guitar while still in the cellar... The guitar then enjoyed the general love of the urban population and only around 1830 gave way to the harmonica. Some guitarists reached remarkable perfection and became famous in several provinces; Kladovshchikov, who brought wine from the Don to Elizavetgrad, also belonged to such famous players; he himself became acquainted with this art in Moscow from some local virtuoso (from M. Vysotsky - A. Sh., L. M.), and from him... Petrov learned and learned so well that he the whole city There was no better guitarist: “His fingers ran along the strings as if they were alive, in the words of one Elizavetgrad acquaintance, Osip Afanasyevich.”3
Of course, his uncle's cellar was not the place for a gifted young man. Chance brings him together with a visiting theater troupe, which he joins in 1826. On October 10, 1830, Petrov made his stage debut Mariinsky Theater In Petersburg. Hard work and talent soon made O. A. Petrov one of best performers opera parts.
The great singer loved the guitar until the end of his life. In St. Petersburg, he became a student of A. Sihra, having the most serious intentions regarding the guitar. He had friendly relations with V. Morkov, V. Sarenko and other guitarists.
The seven-string guitar rendered big influence on the formation of Russian romance lyrics. Accompanied by a guitar, romances were sung both in a high-society salon, and in the modest home of a craftsman, and sometimes in a peasant hut!
The seven-string guitar also had a certain influence on Russian piano music; this can be seen especially clearly in the work of A. Dubuc, who, impressed by the playing of M. Vysotsky, began to actively develop folklore material.
Late XVIII—mid XIX centuries- the heyday of the art of playing the seven-string guitar, a unique cultural layer of enduring value.
Notes
1 See: Ladies' magazine. 1827. No. 7. P. 18.
2 Guitarist. 1904. No. 5. P. 4.
3 Yastrebov V. Osip Afanasyevich Petrov/Russian antiquity. 1882. T. XXXVI.
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.
The music supplement to 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. Guitar music does not have a regular serious press; there are occasional “unpromoted” concerts, 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 with 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 his solo work, Dmitry experiments with modern sounds and musical 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). As a studio and concert musician, he 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 a new step in 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 ways for the development of modern music and returning musical creativity to its 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. For a long time he has been participating in the Valery Syutkin Ensemble as an instrumentalist and author; long-standing creative ties connect him with the jazz singer, composer and pianist Sergei Manukyan. Igor has recorded several solo albums. In addition to his busy 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. His individual style of performance, using shades of oriental coloring, 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 started in State orchestra 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 of 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.
And then recently I was overcome by a question: do we have any worthy guitarists in our country now? Quite quickly, in my search, I came across a man named Sergei Golovin. I listened and realized that this was our Andy James, Vinnie Moore, our Satriani, ours and Vai all rolled into one. I'm joking, of course, but as a joke... you know it yourself. Is it true. The dude plays at the highest level.
Sergey Golovin was born in 1988, lives and works in Moscow. Recorded two albums. Behind him School of Music, if I'm not mistaken, by class classical guitar. He plays just great. The excellent work with sound immediately catches the ear. has its own recognizable style games. This is clarity in the execution of notes, speed, excellent technique, harmony in music, melody, attention to sound as a whole. In a word: wonderful.
You know, just a few years ago, this simply did not exist. These guys, born in the 80s, are now simply breaking the mold with their level of play. It's just space. If, I emphasize, we take into account that in Russia there is generally a problem with the electric guitar, then Sergei is just a breath of clean air. Well done! Just a great guy!
High-class professional guitarist.
I carefully watched YouTube videos and listened to two full-length albums by Sergei Golovin. The impressions are only positive. I am close to his approach to music, his melody.
Having become interested in the personality of S. Golovin, I watched several hours of video with him. All this can be found on YouTube. These are interviews, recordings from concerts. Sergei turned out to be an absolutely open, simple, pleasant person to talk to. Nowadays this is simply very rare. I would even say that Sergei is modest. I made a very positive impression simply as a person, as a person. No star strike. No inflated conceit. I say absolutely without irony: as long as there are people like Sergei Golovin in Russia, all is not lost.
Of course, such an already established master as S. Golovin can give advice himself, but I, as a connoisseur and connoisseur of electric guitar music, familiar with the playing of a huge number of guitar virtuosos, would risk advising Sergei to continue to improve further for the joy of all of us. And I just wish him creative and personal success!
Let's watch some videos of our Russian guitar virtuoso - Sergei Golovin. Here is a video clip of interesting fragments from Golovin’s compositions. Very tasty, check it out.
Here's "TwoGether", very cool, check it out.
Here's a very cool lyrical piece called "Don't Forget" from the album "Sense Of Reality" (2012).
Well, one more thing - louder and more assertive. Very, very good.
In my opinion, Sergei Golovin may well reach the world level of fame with such a level of play and attitude to sound. With his talent, he can easily be invited to any famous Russian performer as a lead guitar. I don’t presume to give him advice, but it seems to me that he needs to leave Russia somewhere abroad, where famous music labels are interested in the electric guitar, and make his way there to global triumph.
In the case of Sergei Golovin, everything came together. This is Sergei’s talent and the musical education he received and other factors. Just imagine: in Russia every year thousands of people enroll in music schools to learn guitar. They study and graduate. AND? And where are all these guitarists? Sergei has talent. He has something to say in music. He can express his emotions and feelings through the strings of an electric guitar. One can only guess how much work is needed to master the instrument as S. Golovin does.
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 has traveled 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 players 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 man did so much for the music world that among professionals it is even customary to separate two time periods - before and after Jaco. Not a single modern music critic can give an accurate definition of 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 a solo album, which 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, Tarrega 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 have 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 are 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.
