Juan Alais

Juan Alais (known as Juan el inglés) (1844–1914) was an Argentine musician of British origin.[1] He is considered the pioneer of concert guitar in Argentina.[2]

Juan Alais
Personal details
Born
Juan Alais Moncada

December 7, 1844
Buenos Aires, Argentina
DiedOctober 7, 1914
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nationality Argentine
OccupationMusician
composer
ProfessionGuitarist
Signature

Biography
Don Juan Alais with gaucho attire

Alais was born in Buenos Aires, son of Valentín Alais and Felipa Moncada, daughter of Victoriano Moncada and María Acuña, belonging to an ancient family of Creole roots. His father was born in London, England,[3] baptized on May 3, 1807 in the St Mary's Church, son of John Alais and Jane Browning.

Juan Alais was the author of outstanding classics of folk music in Argentina,[4] including Qué curiosa (mazurka), Un momento (waltz),[5] La Chinita and La Perezosa, a mazurka for two guitars, considered his best work.[6] In 1870s, he taught guitar classes in the city, among his students was Carlos Canaveris,[7] one of the precursors of tango in Buenos Aires.[8]

References
  1. Abad-Azzali, José López-Calo, Ismael Fernández de la Cuesta
  2. Latin American Guitar Guide, Rico Stover
  3. Música y músicos de Latinoamérica, Volume 1, Otto Mayer-Serra
  4. La música nacional argentina:, Juan María Veniard (Instituto Nacional de Musicología "Carlos Vega")
  5. La música argentina durante el périodo de la organización nacional, Mario García Acevedo (Dirección General de Cultura)
  6. The Rioplatense Guitar: The early guitar and its context in Argentina and Uruguay, Richard T. Pinnell, Ricardo Zavadivker
  7. Club de Tango, Issues 13–27, Club de Tango
  8. La Historia del Tango: Primera época, Corregidor, 1988
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