The lecture examines the role of transcriptions from the repertoire of other instruments in the process by which the guitar became established as a carrier of “serious” music. Its starting point is the composers of the most popular works in guitar recitals in Greece in the period 1900–1980, such as Bach, Scarlatti, Albéniz and Granados. The poor repertoire of the late 19th century was enriched with transcriptions, and the way out of the impasse that followed came from Andrés Segovia, with works dedicated to him by composers who did not come from the guitar.
Presentation. The lecture was given at the 5th Guitar Festival of Veria, in April 2006.