Roland Dyens

French classical guitarist and composer

Roland Dyens (born October 19, 1955, Tunis, Tunisia – died October 29, 2016) was a Tunisian-born French classical guitarist, composer and arranger. He studied guitar with the Spanish classical guitarist Alberto Ponce (2) and analysis with Désiré Dondeyne. He won several prizes in competitions for classical guitar performance as well as for composition. As a performer, Dyens was known for his extraordinary capacity for improvisation. Essentially unique among classical guitarists, Dyens frequently opened his concerts with an improvised piece, in order to help him get a feel for the hall and the audience. His guitar music drew on many elements of folk music and jazz, that has become popular with players. "Tango en Skaï" (1985), is one of his best-known pieces, but also widely played is the more extended "Libra Sonatine" (1986) written in three movements: "India", "Largo", "Fuoco", which was composed after Dyens had undergone heart surgery. "Skaï" is a French slang term for imitation leather, and here references the Gauchos of Argentina and Southern Brazil who are known for their distinctive leather outfits. Hence "Tango en Skaï" is a humorous, gaudy take on the tango. In addition to being one of the most prolific guitar composers of his generation, Dyens also released several volumes of arrangements. Ranging from jazz standards to Brazilian folk music, these arrangements have made their way into the repertoire of both professional and amateur guitarists. Dyens toured extensively and performed at many music festivals and held master classes at many locations across Europe, the United States and Asia. He also taught at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, where he was Professor of Guitar. He died on October 29, 2016 at the age 61.