Roland Dyens

Traditionally, the great composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven have also been virtuosos on their instruments- Bach on the organ, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, and Brahms on the piano, Paganini on the violin. In the classical guitar world this connection between performer and composer is even stronger, almost to the point of requirement. The list includes almost every guitar/lute composer we know, from Dowland, Sanz, Da Milano, Mudarra, and de Murcia to Tárrega, Barrios, Giuliani, Sor, and the list goes on… In today’s classical guitar world, among the most prolific and successful participants in this tradition of performer/composer is Roland Dyens. His compositions and arrangements have become an integral part of today’s classical guitar repertoire. The maestro was kind enough to give me an hour of his time between concerts and flights to discuss his composition and arranging, his love for the music of Fernando Sor, his improvisations, and lots more.