Jack Sanders records Early Spanish Music at GSI

Jack Sanders is an American guitarist and long-time friend of GSI. Honored in 2013 with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Guitar Society, his recent work includes performing Joaquín Rodrigo’s "Concierto de Aranjuez" with the Claremont Symphony and giving premiere performances of Gabriel Bolaños’ Concerto for Resonator Guitar and Orchestra with the Mill Valley Philharmonic. He recently visited GSI to record three videos featuring early music from Spain — all performed on a 2025 Kenny Hill “Torres 640” guitar.

The first piece he recorded is "Pavane No. 4" by Luís de Milán, a Spanish Renaissance composer and vihuelist. Milán was the first composer to publish music for the vihuela de mano, an instrument widely used on the Iberian Peninsula and in parts of Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries.

He also recorded Pavane No. 6 by the same composer, a gentle and lyrical piece well known among classical guitarists.

The final piece in the set is "Fantasia, Book 2 No. 2" by Luis de Narváez, another Spanish Renaissance vihuelist whose works often feature intricate polyphony. In this fantasia, the interwoven voices create an introspective and meditative character that draws the listener in.