Agustín Barrios

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Agustín Barrios

Role / Field:

Paraguayan virtuoso classical guitarist and composer, celebrated for his prolific works.

Born:

1885-05-05

Died:

1944-08-07

Century / Era:

1885s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Foundations

Agustín Pío Barrios (also known as Agustín Barrios Mangoré and Nitsuga—Agustín spelled backwards—Mangoré; May 5, 1885 – August 7, 1944) was a Paraguayan virtuoso classical guitarist and composer, regarded by some as one of the greatest performers and arguably the most prolific composer for the classical guitar. It has been generally accepted that Barrios was born in San Juan Bautista, Paraguay, although the baptismal document in the book of registries in the cathedral of that city does not give his place of birth and several biographers and authorities present evidence that he was actually born in nearby Villa Florida, Misiones, on the Tebicuary River, 30 km to the north; Barrios' diplomatic papers, found in 2019, give "Missiones" [sic] as the place of birth. As a child, Barrios developed a love of music and literature, two arts that were very important to his family. Barrios would eventually speak two languages (Spanish and Guarani), and read three others (English, French, and German).

Key Developments & Impact

Barrios began to show an interest in musical instruments, particularly the guitar, before he reached his teens. He went to Asunción in 1900, at the age...

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1885 (1885-05-05): Birth of Agustín Barrios — Paraguayan virtuoso classical guitarist and composer, celebrated for his prolific works.
2. 1900: 1900 Milestone — He went to Asunción in 1900, at the age...
3. 1944 (1944-08-07): Passing & Historical Legacy — Agustín Barrios passed away on 1944-08-07, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
4. 2019: 2019 Milestone — It has been generally accepted that Barrios was born in San Juan Bautista, Paraguay, although the baptismal document in the book of registries in the cathedral of that city does not give his place of birth and several biographers and authorities present evidence that he was actually born in nearby Villa Florida, Misiones, on the Tebicuary River, 30 km to the north; Barrios' diplomatic papers, found in 2019, give "Missiones" [sic] as the place of birth.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Agustín Barrios

True or False: “Agustín Barrios was primarily known for composing works in the style of European Romanticism.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While influenced by it, his music is deeply rooted in the unique folk traditions and spirit of Paraguay.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Agustín Barrios