Could you describe what you do as a musician in plain words that are understandable to a non-musician? I’m a musician specializing in the guitar and lute family of instruments, particularly those that were played during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. I perform concerts around the world and also teach at the university level.
When and how did you decide to become a professional musician? Did you understand what you were signing up for back then? Did it turn out the way you imagined? I decided I wanted to be a guitar player when I was 13 years old. I didn’t fully realize how challenging the travel would be, but I didn’t mind it. In the end, it turned out pretty much as I imagined.
Chaconne by Robert de Visée, played on the 14 course theorbo by Xavier Díaz-Latorre
Do you still listen to music for leisure these days? Not too much, but occasionally.
What are some works of music that are in your personal sacred shrine? I enjoy listening to the works of medieval composers, as well as traditional music from various cultures outside of my own.
What are some recordings that inspired you, and why? One recording that inspired me deeply is Hopkinson Smith’s interpretation of the works by Vieux Gaultier. His musical depth and the quality of the sound recording left a lasting impression on me.
How important is the presentation of sound in a recording to you? Do you believe a recording can be either “musical” or “sterile”? Sound presentation is extremely important. A great recording doesn’t just capture the physical sound—it must also capture the soul of the performer. That’s something very rare and precious.
How does audio playback gear, especially headphones, influence the way you perceive recordings and music in general? Does it inform your own performance? Have HIFIMAN headphones brought any revelations to your creative work? Yes, playback gear plays a significant role. Each device highlights different aspects of a recording. HIFIMAN headphones (Arya Stealth and EF400) are especially beautiful in how they reproduce sound—they’re very natural and warm, which allows me to connect more deeply with the music.
What was your proudest work or moment you could share with us? Proudest recording? There are a few, but perhaps my proudest recording is the complete works of Luis de Narváez, released by Passacaille.be
Do you have any upcoming performances or albums you’d like to share with us and our audience? Yes! Very soon, a new recording by my ensemble Laberintos Ingeniosos will be released. It features the wonderful singer Furio Zanasi and myself on the theorbo. We recorded a beautiful selection of music by Giulio Caccini Romano, along with solo theorbo works by Girolamo Kapsberger. It should be out in the coming months—I’m very excited about it!
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