Alirio Díaz: Venezuela's Best Guitarist of the Twentieth Century (+ birthday)

In 1987, the Organization of American States (OAS) awarded him the Inter-American Music Prize In 1987, the Organization of American States (OAS) awarded him the Inter-American Music Prize
In 1987, the Organization of American States (OAS) awarded him the Inter-American Music Prize
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Con El Mazo Dando 11 años

Published at: 12/11/2024 08:10 AM


Alirio Díaz Leal, one of the most important guitarists in Venezuela and recognized worldwide as the classical guitar of the 20th century and the first decades of the 21st, was born in a Caroreño hamlet in the state of Lara on November 12, 1923.

As a child, he demonstrated musical aptitude and a natural curiosity about culture, and by the age of eight he was already playing the guitar. Trained at the Escuela Superior de Música de Caracas with Raúl Borges, he studied composition and the history and aesthetics of music.

At the age of 27, he entered the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid, received classes from Regino Sanz de la Maza and Andrés Segovia at the Academia Chiggiana, became an assistant to his teachers and then a professor. He began to tour the most privileged international stages.

His great satisfaction was to raise the name of our country high, to interpret the most heartfelt themes of the Venezuelan popular pentagram and the highest melodies of European academic music.


Prizes

In 1945, he joined the tenor rank of the best choir Venezuela has ever had, the memorable Orfeón Lamas.

1950 was the year of grace for Alirio Díaz; it was when he became known through repeated and brilliant recitals, both radio and private and public.

It deserves special mention in the great concert held in May 1950 at the Escuela Superior de Música dedicated to Juan Sebastián Bach, Alirio Díaz distinguished himself with a memorable performance of Bach's famous Chacona.

In 1987, the Organization of American States (OAS) awarded him the Inter-American Music Prize.

Díaz left a mark on Venezuelan music, recording material that he released in Venezuela and abroad.

His compositions include: R écital de guitare No.1 and 2, El Uno y Otro 1 y 2, Murillo: Trapiche (Colombian); Díaz Peña: Maricela; Fernández: El Diablo Suelto, among others.

Díaz's artistic legacy has been the subject of multiple awards for guitar virtuosi, such as: Alirio Díaz National Guitar Competition, Alirio Díaz International Guitar Competition, Alirio Díaz International Guitar Competition for young guitarists.

Master Alirio Díaz died on July 5, 2016 in Rome at the age of 92.



Mazo News Team