Agustin Barrios, Guitar Music. Enno Voorhurst. Naxos 8.555718

Agustin Barrios was a South American, born in Paraguay, in 1885.

Never having had a formal music lesson in his life, he has become a major contender for recognition for composing beautiful music for the guitar.

After his death in 1944, his music lay undiscovered for many years and it was John Williams - our very own guitar maestro - who brought about the recognition of this artist.

Williams' recording, made in 1977, consisted entirely of Barrios' compositions. Now, this lyrical and lilting music is one of the staple requirements of the classical guitar concert player.

On this recording, the guitar player is Enno Voorhurst, of the Netherlands, who performs with style and precision.

La Catedral was one regularly played by Barrios regularly and written when he was staying in a hotel near to the Cathedral of San Jose in Montevideo.The cathedral bells at first hindered his practice, but soon became the theme of a new piece.

El Sueno de la Munequita was written for the doll of a little girl, who, when he called at her house cautioned him not to waken her sleeping toy. His reply was that he would play soft music, so that her dolly couldsleep.

It is gentle music, with a cadence almost like a lullaby, and short, but very sweet!

Variations on a theme of Tarrega is an homage to the Spanish maestro Francisco Tarrega, and the six variations featured were composed in Guatemala, in 1939. It is a complicated and virtuoso piece reflecting a lifetime of playing the instrument Barrios loved.