Gaspar Sagreras

Gaspar Sagreras (21 October 1838 – 14 April 1901) was a Spanish-born guitarist, composer and teacher who became a naturalized Argentine citizen. He is remembered as one of the leading figures in the spread of the guitar in late‑19th‑century Argentina and as the father of the renowned guitarist and pedagogue Julio Salvador Sagreras.

Biography Sagreras was born in Palma de Mallorca in 1838. Following his parents’ wishes, he initially began medical studies, while at the same time cultivating a strong interest in music and the guitar. After the family moved to Buenos Aires, he abandoned medicine and completed his musical training, devoting the rest of his life to performance and teaching.

In Buenos Aires he established himself as a notable guitarist, taking part in concerts and musical gatherings within Porteño society. He studied harmony to broaden his skills and formed friendships with fellow guitarists such as Juan Alais Moncada, Carlos García Tolsa and Bernardo Troncoso. With them he performed in a trio formation during 1887 and 1888. Various arrangements, including transcriptions related to the Himno Nacional Argentino.