Francisco Tárrega

Francisco de Asís Tárrega y Eixea (Nov. 1852 – Dec. 1909) was a Spanish composer from the Romantic era. Often referred to as “The Father of Classical Guitar,” Tárrega worked in a variety of genres, such as chamber music.

Though a rebellious child and teen, often running away from home, Tárrega was mostly self-taught, and was proficient in both guitar and piano at a very young age.

His most notable works include Recuerdos de la Alhambra, Capricho Árabe, and Gran Vals, the last song being used to create the iconic Nokia ringtone.

According to Emilio Pujol, one of Tarrega’s pupils, Tárrega produced 217 works throughout his life, which includes original compositions and transcriptions.