It is with great sadness that I write about the Spanish classical guitarist MANUEL BABILONI, who died unexpectedly on Monday 11 May 2015, while at home, playing his guitar.

Manuel Babiloni was born in Castellón, Spain, into a musical family in 1959. He was initially taught the guitar by his father, Manuel Babiloni Alicart, and then went on to be one of the most successful ‘discipulos’ of José Luis González, carrying on the tradition of producing a remarkably beautiful tone quality in the interpretation of twentieth-century Spanish guitar repertoire, in particular. Manuel Babiloni also studied composition with Matilde Salvador, and through her came to be a noted interpreter of the guitar works of the Spanish composer, Vicente Ascencio (husband of Matilde Salvador).

His funeral will be held on Wednesday 13 May 2015 at the concathedral de Santa María in Castellón at 17.00.

In July 2014 Manuel Babiloni directed the XL Curso Internacional de Guitarra ‘Memorial José Luis González’ in Estella, Navarra, Spain, where José Luis González (1932–1998) used to give annual his masterclasses; Manuel Babiloni has continued the tradition established by José Luis González and has been directing the course in Estellla since 1999.

He has produced a number of fine recordings, including: Recital (656-CD E. G. Tabalet Clásica); Sonatina (Audioart 046GT06CD6); and Fantasías y Estudios – Fernando Sor (Arial 1107). 

Here is Manuel Babiloni playing Lágrima by Francisco Tárrega:

© Thérèse Wassily Saba 2015