Tremolo Study No. 2 Recuerdos De La Alhambra

Recuerdos De La Alhambra by Francisco Tarrega is arguably the most famous tremolo study in the repertoire. It is often used as a recital piece either with a few other Tarrega pieces tomake a program item or individually as an encore. The melody is well-known among even non-guitarists as a synth rendition was used as a soundtrack fill in a motion picture, The Killing Fields. A haunting melody evocative of moonlight, calm and bittersweet, it builds in a minor before launching into a major for the B section. When performed correctly and with that deep emotion so often tapped by Spanish composers, one can expect the audience to weep.

Please note the p,a,m,i (thuimb, ring, middle, index) right hand fingering used -- it's the same as the study I worte in the last tremolo exercise. Note the marking on the first page 'Slow tremolo'. I believe I wrote that one on there for a student many years ago. As always, slow and careful practice will be required to get the desired rhythmic, textural and dynamic qualities for the tremolo to be musical. I've heard players just rocket through this piece and while I've come away impressed with the player's technique, I'd rather come away impressed by the emotional depth of the music, and the player's ability to touch something inside the listerner's soul. Make music!