Guitar world mourns master luthier
RIPThe Brazilian guitarist and maker Sergio Abreu has died at the age of 74 after a short illness.
He was famed for duo recordings with his brother Eduardo, but even more so for the beautiful instruments he made.
Marcelo Kayath writes: I am very sad to say that my close friend and lifelong mentor Sergio Abreu has left us today. I can’t describe how sad I am – he was a very special human being. One of the brightest minds I ever encountered in my whole life, Sergio would have been successful in anything he focused on. Luckily for us, he chose to be a musician and luthier.
He was an angel sent by God to illuminate our path. He touched and changed the lives of thousands of people that were lucky enough to meet him or to have contact with his music and artistry. His mission here was fulfilled, and we are all his children.
Sad, sad news. Sergio Abreu was truly great and will be much missed.
Last time I saw him I had got tickets for the closing session of a guitar festival at São Paulo’s Art Museum (MASP), some years ago.
Everý person around seemed to be a guitar player, a composer, teacher, student or scholar. They took turns at the stage, playing, presenting and discussing old and new guitar pieces.
Some greats from all around the Americas were there: I remember composer Leo Brouwer, from Cuba, not often seen in Brazil.
But Sergio Abreu was the center of gravity of the whole thing. He was also a rare bird in such jamborees, and everybody seemed to look for his attention and approval.
He seemed to be having fun, sharing stories, telling jokes, praising and teasing his fellow musicians. It was all very informal and laid-back.
Not being a musician myself, I felt as a stranger dropped in the middle of a big musical family reunion. I could hardly believe my luck. It was a great and unforgettable day.
What a hard time for music lovers here in Brazil. First Nelson Freire, then Gal Costa and now Sergio Abreu. RIP.