The Belgium Guitar Duo brings together two of Belgium's finest classical guitarists, Jan Depreter and Johan Fostier. With deep musical sensitivity and refined ensemble playing, the duo reveals the lyrical beauty and subtle Spanish character of one of the most loved melodies in Spanish music: the Intermedio by Enrique Granados.
They perform it here on two remarkable historical instruments — Domingo Esteso guitars built in 1933 and 1937.
About the Intermedio
The Intermedio comes from Goyescas, the opera Granados fashioned in 1915 from his famous piano suite inspired by the paintings of Francisco Goya. The story goes that the opera's premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in New York needed extra music to cover a scene change, and Granados wrote the Intermedio quickly — yet it became the most famous number in the entire work. Its long-breathed, arching melody over habanera-tinged accompaniment distils everything audiences love in Spanish romanticism.
Though written for orchestra, the Intermedio was quickly claimed by other instruments — cellists made it a signature encore, and guitarists followed. On two guitars, the piece finds an ideal balance: one instrument carries the great melody while the other supplies the orchestral colour, and the idiom feels utterly natural — Granados' musical language is saturated with the spirit of the guitar. Learn more about the composer's relationship with our instrument in our guide to Enrique Granados and the classical guitar.
About Enrique Granados
Enrique Granados (1867–1916) was, alongside Isaac Albéniz, the leading voice of Spanish musical nationalism at the turn of the century. A brilliant pianist, he wove the melodic and rhythmic character of Spanish folk music into a refined late-Romantic style. His death was tragically early: returning from the New York premiere of Goyescas in 1916, he drowned when his ship was torpedoed in the English Channel.
The Guitars: Domingo Esteso, 1933 & 1937
Domingo Esteso (1882–1937) was one of the great Madrid luthiers of the early twentieth century. Trained in the workshop of Manuel Ramírez, he built instruments prized by both classical and flamenco players — guitars with the warm, immediate, singing sound of the golden age of Spanish guitar making. Hearing two Estesos from 1933 and 1937 side by side is a rare treat; both instruments are available at Siccas Guitars: the Domingo Esteso 1933 and the Domingo Esteso 1937. Browse more instruments of this era in our collection of Masterpiece Collection.
Watch the Performance
For more Spanish repertoire, explore our overview of famous classical guitar pieces.
