Antonio Jiménez Manjón, the composer, went blind during childhood and left Spain at age 14 to pursue music in Paris, where he taught himself several languages and European culture.
Composer Biography
Antonio Jiménez Manjón became a virtuoso of the 11-stringed guitar and was highly appreciated as a performer across Europe.
Instruments
The guitarist Raphaëlla Smits plays a Vicente Arias guitar from 1899, an instrument known for its lightness and unique design, which once belonged to Narciso Yepes.
Interpretation
Manjón's music requires the performer to act as an improviser, as strictly following the notation can make it boring; its strength comes from elements like rubato and varied note lengths.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Manjón's music is open to foreign influences, with melodies sometimes recalling popular Russian music, and at other times being typically Spanish or reminiscent of German romanticism.
Compositional Technique
Manjón's music was often written in two clefs due to the extended compass of the 11-stringed guitar he played.
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