Rafael Riqueni

Rafael Riqueni is one of Spain's best guitarists in terms of the quality of his execution and the creativity of his compositions; these are qualities that he already displayed when he was only fifteen years old, and came away with the RamЈn Montoya Prize in the Concurso Nacional (National Competition) in CЈrdoba.

Although his greatest achievements have been as a concert guitarist, Rafael Riqueni has never neglected his work as an accompanying guitarist, which is a fundamental stage in the training of a solo guitarist. Faithful to his convictions, he has played for several cantaores and bailaores, including Enrique Morente, with whom he works regularly.

Riqueni has an extensive oeuvre as a concert guitarist and composer. Within it, some compositions in the style of so-called musical nationalism, which are reminiscent of Alb™niz and Turina, stand out. As does the record Flamenco (1987), recorded live and without featuring any special effects nor the resources of a recording studio, which represents a veritable lesson of flamenco guitar playing and composition. He is also the author of a tribute album for the guitar masters (Esteban de SanlЄcar, NiЎo Ricardo and Sabicas). He has worked with artists from outside the flamenco scene, like Anouar Brahem, Al Di Meola, Matќas Fray and the Vargas Blues Band.

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