Few musicians have been so completely loved by the guitar community as Roland Dyens (1955–2016). The French-Tunisian guitarist and composer broke down the wall between the classical guitar and the worlds of jazz, popular song and improvisation — and he did it with such charm, wit and warmth that he changed how a whole generation thinks about the instrument.
A different kind of classical guitarist
Dyens trained in the classical tradition — he studied with the great Alberto Ponce in Paris and was thoroughly schooled in the repertoire — but his imagination always reached further. He was a gifted improviser, something almost unheard of among classical guitarists, and famously liked to open his recitals with a spontaneous improvisation, refusing to print the programme until he had walked on stage. That spirit of freedom and surprise ran through everything he did.
His music
- Tango en Skaï — his most famous piece, a witty, exuberant send-up of the tango that has become a recital favourite the world over.
- Saudade No. 3 — part of his evocative Saudade set, blending Brazilian feeling with his own harmonic language.
- Libra Sonatine — a major concert work, ending in the dazzling movement "Fuoco."
- His arrangements — Dyens reimagined everything from French chansons to jazz standards and Villa-Lobos, always with a composer's ear.
The jazz connection
What set Dyens apart was harmony. He heard the guitar through the ears of a jazz musician, filling his music with rich, colourful chords, syncopated rhythms and a sense of swing that classical players had rarely attempted. Yet he never abandoned the discipline of his training; the freedom always rested on real craft. The result was a body of work that feels modern and spontaneous but is built to last.
A beloved teacher
For many years Dyens taught at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSMDP), shaping a generation of players — among them guitarists who now have major careers of their own. His sudden death in 2016 was felt as a personal loss across the guitar world, but his music, and the freer, more joyful attitude he modelled, live on in countless players.
A note on the sheet music
Because Dyens died in 2016, his music is firmly under copyright and is not in the public domain. His works are published by houses such as Henry Lemoine and Productions d'Oz; scores should be purchased from authorised publishers and dealers.
FAQ
Who was Roland Dyens?
A French-Tunisian classical guitarist and composer (1955–2016) known for blending classical guitar with jazz and improvisation.
What is his most famous piece?
Tango en Skaï, alongside the Saudade pieces and the Libra Sonatine.
Is his sheet music free?
No — Dyens is still under copyright; buy his scores from authorised publishers.
