El Colibrí (Sagreras)
| El Colibrí | |
|---|---|
| by Julio Salvador Sagreras | |
| Key | E minor |
| Genre | Classical guitar étude |
| Form | Virtuosic study |
| Composed | c. 1912 |
| Published | 1954 |
| Duration | Approx. 1 minute 30 seconds |
| Movements | 1 |
| Scoring | Classical guitar |
El Colibrí (The Hummingbird) is a virtuosic étude for classical guitar composed by Argentine guitarist and pedagogue Julio Salvador Sagreras (1879–1942). The piece is renowned for its technical brilliance and for emulating the flight of a hummingbird through rapid arpeggios and swift ascending and descending scales.[1]
Description
Composed in the early 20th century, El Colibrí stands as one of Sagreras's most celebrated works. It is frequently employed in both concert and pedagogical settings to develop advanced guitar techniques. The performance imitates the fluttering wings of a hummingbird, utilizing continuous triplets, rapid passages, and light yet controlled phrasing.[2]
Arrangements
Although originally written for guitar, the piece has inspired numerous arrangements for various instruments:
- Italian violist Marco Misciagna created a transcription for solo viola, published in the collection Viola Virtuosa II (2016), adapting the guitar figurations to the technical possibilities of the bow.[3]
- The piece has been interpreted by numerous contemporary guitarists, including John Williams, who has recorded a rendition highlighting its elegance and technical difficulty.[4]
Discography
El Colibrí has been recorded by numerous classical guitarists and instrumentalists, showcasing its enduring popularity:
- John Williams – The Great Guitar Classics (Sony Classical, 1994). A definitive interpretation noted for its clarity and technical precision.[5]
- David Russell – Aire Latino (Telarc, 2001). Includes a highly praised performance of El Colibrí emphasizing tonal color and phrasing.[6]
- Marco Misciagna – Viola Virtuosa II (MM, 2024). Features the solo viola transcription of El Colibrí, highlighting the arrangement's adaptation to the viola's unique timbre.[7]
References
- ^ "El colibrí – Julio Salvador Sagreras". IMSLP. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "El colibrí – Julio Salvador Sagreras". IMSLP. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Julio Sagreras: El colibrí. Imitación al vuelo del picaflor, arrangement for solo viola by Marco Misciagna". Babelio. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Julio S. Sagreras - El Colibrí (John Williams, guitar)". Discogs. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "John Williams – The Great Guitar Classics". Discogs. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "David Russell – Aire Latino". AllMusic. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Marco Misciagna – Viola Virtuosa II". Amazon Music. Retrieved 18 May 2025.