‘Giovanni Bellini’

This concert’s programme travels through the history of this instrument to back to 17th-century Italy. The Chitarra alla Spagnola, or Spanish guitar, had its origins in the Spanish tradition between the 16th and 17th centuries. Its popularity spread rapidly across Europe, transcending its status as a folk instrument. The Baroque guitar became the favourite instrument of royal courts in France and England. Italian lutenist and guitarist Giovanni Bellini puts together a particularly fine programme of works by various Italian composers.