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Julián Arcas was a highly influential Spanish guitarist, composer, and teacher, considered a key figure in the development of the modern classical guitar tradition during the Romantic era.Born in Almería, Spain, Arcas demonstrated exceptional guitar talent early. He toured extensively throughout Spain and internationally (including England and Portugal), achieving fame as a virtuoso performer. His compositions blended classical forms with Spanish folk and flamenco elements. He was a significant teacher, most notably instructing the young Francisco Tárrega, who became the father of modern classical guitar. Arcas died relatively young in Antequera, Málaga.

• Arcas was largely self-taught on the guitar, developing a formidable technique independently before studying briefly with José Asencio.
• His international tours, particularly in England where he performed for Queen Victoria, significantly boosted his reputation and helped popularize the Spanish guitar abroad.
• Despite his influence and fame during his lifetime, many of Arcas's compositions were unpublished and remained in manuscript form, leading to some being lost.
• His teaching profoundly shaped Francisco Tárrega, arguably the most important figure in modern classical guitar. Tárrega studied with Arcas around the age of 10 in Barcelona.
• Arcas died unexpectedly at the age of 49 in Antequera. The specific cause of death is not widely documented in major sources, though illness is generally implied.