Medio Siglo - the Art and Sound of José Luis Romanillos

Medio Siglo follows the story, the heart and the characters behind the making of our album and tribute to José L. Romanillos. The collector's limited edition album is now available for purchase (WWW.MEDIO-SIGLO.COM) as an LP with digital download so you can enjoy the glittering sound of the Spanish guitar wherever you are.
This project (album and documentary) is a tribute to the sound and art of José L. Romanillos, who passed away on February 12th 2022.
He was one of the most influential traditional Spanish guitar makers of the 20th century. His legacy as guitar historian, author and teacher will be a source of inspiration for the future generations of classical guitarists and luthiers. To honour José’s unparalleled craftsmanship and total artistic commitment, we present this recording where for the very first time we bring together the last four guitars he created.
These instruments are absolute masterpieces, closely associated with personal events in the lives of both José and his wife Marian.
The recording is engineered under the care of the legendary John Taylor, and features music by Tárrega, Llobet, and Granados performed solo by Antigoni Goni and in duo and trio formations with the other two members of the “Volterra Project Trio”, Luca Isolani and Maarten Vandenbemden. The album is accompanied by an extended high-quality booklet with photographic material, texts and personal memories.
We wish that this project will contribute to keeping José’s legacy alive, and serve as a reminder to us all of the complexity, beauty and chromatic richness of our instrument.
Timecodes
0:00 - Introduction
6:08 - I. La Medio Siglo
16:55 - II. La Amistad
25:09 - III. La Rosa
33:02 - IV. Marian
40:06 - Recording Process
Filmed in Spain between February 2022 and February 2023.
Artistic direction: Antigoni Goni and Marian Romanillos
Executive production: Antigoni Goni, Maarten Vandenbemden and Luca Isolani
Cinematography - video editor: Cedric Honings
Before closing we would like to thank The Augustine Foundation without whom this project would not have been possible, and you for following us on this journey of sound exploration and emotion.
With all our love,
Marian Romanillos and Antigoni Goni
Luca Isolani and Maarten Vandenbemden
John Taylor
Cedric Honings and Gerhard Oldiges

[@iancameron5536]

Your playing is so beautiful and clean, I can only dream!

[@RosieBennetGuitar]

This documentary is such a beautiful accompaniment to an absolutely wonderful album, I am so happy with my copy, especially as a vinyl fanatic. These days it’s so hard to find well pressed vinyl and especially for classical recordings. I was lucky to meet Jose and Marian in 2019 and play at least two of the instruments seen in this documentary, it’s glorious to hear them played together and so special to have this movie to give some of that beautiful backdrop to the scenes that inspired their creation. Thank you Antigoni! 🙏

[@mattydavies194]

Came here from Antigoni's episode of Fret Not and feel compelled to say how glad I am that she made it through her journey with focal dystonia. The guitar world would have lost a gem, thank you for this insightful and beautifully filmed documentary

[@mariofusa2706]

Gracias por este hermoso regalo del merecido reconocimiento y recuerdo del MAESTRO Romanillos. GRACIAS!

[@markmacalik9693]

Thank you for sharing the lovely sounds of these guitars as well as the beautiful life of Maestro Romanillos. I've only heard of his great name but never had a pleasure of playing one of his masterpieces. Bravo for your effort in honoring the Maestro!

[@donhlus461]

👏👏👏👏👏 What an amazing project and heartfelt tribute. ❤️

[@mflazar]

So beautiful. I first heard Antigoni play at a concert hosted by our guitar society in Edmonton Canada a little over 20 years ago. And, of course, I heard my first Romanillos guitar. I had been an amateur luthier for some years and very shortly afterwards studied with Greg Byers (a Romanillos student). I've always regretted not having an opportunity to study with Jose personally, however I'm forever grateful for they many other ways he has influenced me over my 42 years as a guitar maker. We all owe Antigoni a huge debt of gratitude for the incredibly beautiful work she has done here as well as to all of the other contributors and especially Marian.

[@luthiermarian]

Antigoni's Naxos CD was one of my favourite guitar recordings even from before I started building - and I thank you Michael for helping me with my very first steps, it was around 2007. About that time Jose stopped the course, to my regret, because I would have loved to attend. I did meet Jose and Marian in 2013, it was a wonderful experience I will never forget. I also played Medio Siglo, it had gut strings and I was so emotional I could barely hold it...

[@SharonIsbin]

Fascinating, beautiful and very moving! Love your soulful portamenti in Granados, and passion in creating this project. Bravissima dear Antigoni! ❤❤❤

[@obduliovaldes7117]

Precioso Documento con el recuerdo siempre, del Maestro. Muchas gracias por compartir!

[@StephiSensei26]

Glorious and beautiful. No mention however, of Julian Bream's contribution? Strange.

[@guitarsinternational369]

A Masterpiece in Every Way!!! THANK YOU!!! :-)

[@rigobertomora5472]

So beautiful and very great tribute to maestro J Romanillos, congratulations...

[@themusiccovenant]

One of the greatest living guitarist

[@LightSoySauce]

What a nice film. Thank you for producing it.

[@michelleroest7538]

Absolutely wonderful! Congrats to all for this beautiful tribute!

[@joaquinmonton5841]

Gracias Antigoni por este maravilloso documento. Gracias por su trabajo y por su generosidad hacia los demás. Enhorabuena.

[@StevenDenToomLuthier]

Bravo!! What a beautiful tribute to our Master. To have known him myself and visite his workshop and house was truely a foundational experience that I take with me in every guitar I build. Thank you dear Antigoni for sharing this and helping to create this. I hope to see you again soon! Best wishes, Steven

[@leonardopalacios]

Hermoso reportaje , una vida llenA DE CREATIVIDAD y todo su amor por la guitarra y por la musica se aprecian en sus guitarras , verdaderas obras maestras..Beautiful!! Maestra Antigoni Goni y los dos extraordinarios guitarristas interpretando junytos los Valses Poeticos de Granados, verdaderamente hermoso de oir. Gracias.

[@lac8233]

Great

[@scottknapp8984]

Spectacular documentary. The best ever produced in my opinion. I would love to attend one of the Medio Siglo concerts.

[@saeedandalusi7579]

Great work team, especially Cedric's cinematography, Martijn's sense of humour, Luca's passionate pasta, and most of all, Antigoni's drive to see this awesome project through to its conclusion..... Bravo

[@pachofernandez3180]

Absolutely wonderful tribute to José Romanillos and how magic Granados sounds in those Romanillos guitars! beautiful project, inspiring words .... a true dream for all of us thank you for bringing it all closer to humble guitar players like me who love so much the guitar!!!! ❤❤❤

[@seangalbraith5286]

Beautiful !! Thank you for this beautiful programme Best Regards Sean

[@domingoduran9497]

Magnifica la delicadeza, la sinceridad, la maestría, junto con la armonía de la música y la respuesta de las guitarras españolas. Es seguro que Romanillos junto con Antonio de Torres estarán distrutando emocionados allá donde estén como todos los que vemos este video. Muchas gracias a todos los que han participado en su elaboración, mi recuerdo para el y mi saludo a su esposa.

[@philltadman]

What a beautiful tribute! Thank you so much for shairng

[@gtrmusic69]

Julian Bream really knew what he was doing and what he wanted back in the 1970's. Without Bream these guitars would likely not have been this popular and Jose might have quit making due to financial straits that he was in when Bream invited him to live on his estate. If this is a film about Romanillos, not Antigoni, it's not very clear, then I think Bream's name should have been mentioned in this documentary considering how many people ordered a Romanillos because of him and how much he did for Romanillos and his wife and family.

[@StephiSensei26]

Completely agree. I was waiting to hear a word about Julian Bream's contribution to Romanillos' guitars, but it never happened.

[@docdoc]

Bream was instrumental in his life and success. But this video is about something more personal, about Jose and the insight Antigoni offers is spot on.

[@StephiSensei26]

@@docdoc Fair enough.

[@phonebest6800]

大師D作品果然非凡

[@drjimlewisnc]

Completely agree. Bream also contributed to José's understanding of what the guitar should sound like, that is, to his education, since Jose did not play himself in the early years.

[@AlanMearns-YesTheRaven]

Wonderful

[@thiagodania]

Fantastic. I loved it. Romanillos was a genius❤

[@cottoneyejoe1able]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ אהבה רבה.

[@nasigil5928]

These are indeed some of the most beautiful sounding guitar I've ever listen to both online and in person

[@paltieri11]

Well done!..thanks

[@davidpelham4861]

What a beautifully done piece! Open, personal, complete and in a way that makes us feel part of this project. Congratulations to all.

[@EleonoraPerretta]

Incredibly captivating, exquisitely beautiful, and profoundly touching! The enchanting way Granados' music resonates through those Romanillos guitars, coupled with your unwavering passion in bringing this project to life, is truly a work of art. Thank you Antigoni!

[@fhulkster]

what a beautiful moving video ,and what a great tribute to Jose and family , loved it

[@JoseOchoa-dw9vk]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@cristinagomez8524]

Un homenaje muy hermoso, enhorabuena a todos los que han participado. Fué muy emotivo asistir al concierto de inauguración, fantástico.

[@schoorlemmerguitars1552]

Thank you for this wonderfull tribute. His work is and will be a true inspiration to me building guitars ❤

[@jorgelayh7406]

Fabuloso!!!

[@vannigio6234]

uah! 💥🌹💥

[@guitarraclasica]

The work and care that was put into this documentary is palpable. Congratulations maestra. Abrazos desde la Universidad de Kentucky.

[@jerryguitarzt]

Hermoso proyecto!! Felicidades a todos los que lo realizaron. Thank you, Maestra Antigoni!!! You are the best!!!

[@RodyvanGemert]

This was so beautiful, in so many ways. Thank you very much!

[@BobStCyr]

Thank you for sharing. It is obvious so much work and so much love went into this project. It gives an insight into the world of Spanish luthierie. I have been building guitars as a hobby for over 50 years. I was lucky enough to go to Spain twice (2003, 2006) and spend time in Jose's workshop building guitars. During that time I was also fortunate to get to know, Marian, Liam and Gerhardt. It changed my guitar building forever. Jose was a master luthier and also a very special human being. I'm so glad you have given us this work to remember him.

[@francoisstassijns7208]

Such a beautiful tribute… ❣️

[@jamesstroud3230]

Wonderful. Loved the trio sound is so magical!

[@patragains1826]

My wife and I met the Romanillos when we visited the workshop and museum in 2019. The film is beautiful and I appreciated being able to recall our experience. One question: what was the musical program of the memorial concert?

[@AntigoniGoniguitar]

The program of the memorial concert was the program recorded on the 4 guitars in the vinyl limited collectors edition: Solos by Tarrega and Llobet, Granados Spanish Dances on two guitars and Valses Poeticos on three guitars. More info on the recording you can find on: www.medio-diglo.com

[@iancameron5536]

It is obvious listening to you all that Jose was loved and missed very much. I think if any of us can leave so much love behind, then we will have lived a life worth while, until the words of this verse id fulfilled Revelation21:3,4., may it give comfort to you all.

[@DeOmnibusDubitandum76]

What a beautiful find! I did not know this project was in the works. Delightful. It broke my heart what maestra Goni mentioned regarding what Romanillos told her when he was in poor health. "No tengo nada". Who knows what he had in mind, of course, and Antigoni Goni's reaction is not to be criticized, but if I had been there, I would have loved to take his masterful hands in mine and emphatically assure him that he had so much, that his works of art in the hands of brilliant artists like Bream, and so many others, had created sounds and feelings that, at least to me, have made this life a bit easier to endure when hit by adversity, and more beautiful during the sparse good moments we get to enjoy. You gave us so much!

[@jacobcoonradt3569]

Does anyone happen to know the songs at: 1.) 03:25 2.) 08:30 3.) 25:40 4.) 38:40 Beautiful Music. Hope there's a chance to stream the album somewhere.

[@AntigoniGoniguitar]

The song that was played on the Medio Siglo at 3:25 is Blott En Dag (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpywlYJjf86Ud6M)

[@AntigoniGoniguitar]

at 8:30 I play Pavana by F. Tarrega

[@AntigoniGoniguitar]

38:40 the Trio plays the 6th Valse from Valses Poeticos

[@AntigoniGoniguitar]

at 25:40, Luca plays Torija By Torroba on " Rosa"

[@niceguitar6144]

@@AntigoniGoniguitari am a huge fan, Goni. I will forever remember our online master class in which you help me with the Federico Moreno Torroba piece, the first movement of his sonatina. Thank you, I hope all is well. The documentary is most excellent, fantastic job, you and everyone else involved. 😙

[@albertking1566]

Antigoni- You noted that in your final moments with Jose he said “I have nothing.” This saddened me deeply. How do you interpret his comment?

[@guitarraclasica]

All I want for Christmas is “la amistad” you can keep the rest 😅

[@gabinoflores910]

What is the first piece name ?

[@AntigoniGoniguitar]

It is Valse #6 from Valces Poeticos by E. Granados. Arranged for three guitars by M. Vandenbemden and recorded on the Medio Siglo Album

[@drbikashbaran108]

@@AntigoniGoniguitar Thank you so much.🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@mildnomsed]

Is the CD ready for purchase?

[@AntigoniGoniguitar]

After a lot of consideration, especially because we have been repeatedly asked, we have all decided NOT to publish a CD. The whole idea of the project was a full aesthetic experience that only the limited edition captures. There are still less than 150 copies left and now that two of the guitars (Marian and Amistad) are sold it is certain that most likely there will be NO more recordings or concerts that bring those instruments together.

[@mildnomsed]

​@AntigoniGoniguitar Hi Maestro, May I know the Valses Peoticos that you are playing in the video arranged by Vandenbemden, is it published? May I know where can I purchase the sheetmusic?

[@ronaldrugato9707]

I can't believe they didn't mention Julian Bream in this documentary. How easily utter learned forgetting, seems to bolster those that want to stand on shoulders of giants before them, but seem to easily forget about doing it when trying to make a point. R I P Jose and Julian

[@martinmustar8656]

loved it! what's the name of the opening piece, also at 38:34 ?

[@AntigoniGoniguitar]

It is Valse #6 from Valces Poeticos by E. Granados. Arranged for three guitars by M. Vandenbemden and recorded on the Medio Siglo Album

[@afonsocancio5560]

@@AntigoniGoniguitar Professora, Thank you so much for this incredible piece of art! I'll get a copy right away, But let me ask you this please, the first moment of guitar music you play it's on the minute 3:25, I've seen several questions here requesting the same! :) This one at 3:25 is it th Valse #6? I can't figure it out, but it's so beautifully played and it's such a wonderfull piece to start the adventure! Please confirm wich one is it. Thank againg for you work/art bringing this document to all of us. All the best!

[@AntigoniGoniguitar]

@@afonsocancio5560 The song that was played on the Medio Siglo at 3:25 is Blott En Dag (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpywlYJjf86Ud6M)

[@AntigoniGoniguitar]

The Valse payed by the trio and the one that opens the whole documentary is the 6th Valse from Valses Poeticos

[@riccardomoni3598]

Quante banalità...metafisica, ingegneria...come diceva Ramirez III trattasi di tecnica, poi c' è il lavoro quotidiano con la manualità, l' intelligenza, l' esperienza e la capacità di analisi su ciò che ogni giorno si fa. In questo senza dubbio alcuno il maestro J.Romanillos è stato immenso

[@beeps123]

Tortillas. 😂

[@user-jd7vj4ib3c]

Да, она очень любит камеру. Много времени занимает в фильме. Антигона.