Rafael Andia, born in France in 1942 and descended from the Spanish Republican diaspora, has followed a circular path as a guitarist — from the flamenco of his youth to classical and baroque guitar. This diverse background led him to a unique interpretation of Spanish classical composers such as Joaquín Turina, Isaac Albéniz, and Manuel de Falla, resulting in complete recordings and discographic monographs.
He introduced original techniques, sometimes derived from flamenco and oriented toward contemporary music, notably as a member of the group L’Itinéraire. He premiered, published, and recorded solo guitar works ranging from André Jolivet to Tristan Murail. He also explored the world of baroque guitar on period instruments within the CNRS, performed with the baroque dance ensemble L’Éclat des Muses, and recorded the complete works of Robert de Visée for Harmonia Mundi.
His own compositions, blending flamenco and classical styles, are featured on a CD released by Solstice. His writings include Libertés et déterminismes de la guitare (an essay), Labyrinthes d’un guitariste (a memoir), Rasgueados (a novel on the Spanish Civil War), and Guitarre Royalle (a novel on Francesco Corbetta), all published by L’Harmattan in Paris.
Rafael Andia has been Professor of Guitar at the École Normale de Musique de Paris since 1971.
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