The question has become almost rhetorical, asked so many times by different voices and ignored on numerous occasions by those in power who could make this beautiful project a reality. The lack of response is incomprehensible, as is the indifference in a city that boasts of being modern and cultural. Madrid possesses a unique musical heritage, not only because of its instrumentalists and composers but also due to its tradition in the construction of world-renowned instruments, its private and public collections, and its concert halls, conservatories, foundations, music schools, tablaos, theaters, cultural centers, and auditoriums that have made and continue to make history.
Madrid, a city with a musical soul
Madrid cannot be understood without music—whether it’s the chotis in the Vistillas, a rondeña by Ramón Montoya, the catchy lyrics of a cuplé sung by La Fornarina at the Apolo Theater, jazz chords heard from the Jonny, the most virtuosic performances by Andrés Segovia at the Ateneo de Madrid or Serranito at El Café de Chinitas, or perhaps a flamenco jamboree at the Candela’s cave in the early hours of the 80s, not to mention the controversial Movida Madrileña. Many personalities also visited, strolled, spent time, or even settled in the Villa y Corte, leaving behind stories worth telling.
The tradition of instrument making in Madrid
In addition to its musical tradition, Madrid has a rich history in instrument-making that deserves recognition. These are ancient trades, some dating back to the 16th century, while others reached their peak in the 19th and 20th centuries. The school of guitar makers in Madrid is a world reference in the construction of Spanish guitars, originating in 1761 with the Association of Violin Makers, Guitar Makers, and Stringed Instrument Builders.
Key companies and collections in Madrid’s music scene
We have centennial companies like Hazen, which houses an important collection of pianos, fortepianos, and other variants in its foundation located on the road to La Coruña. The History Museum, the Academy of San Fernando, the Museum of Romanticism, the Conservatory of Music, the Royal Palace, and the Vicente Espinós Library preserve key pieces. The National Library holds essential documents for understanding the history of our music, including Gaspar Sanz’s Método—which explains why our guitar is called “Spanish”—and the Barbieri collection. Both Lope de Vega and Cervantes mention Vicente Espinel in their works, who added the sixth string to the guitar, transforming it into the Spanish guitar.
Outstanding private collections in the city
Although I am probably leaving out some details, given the immense musical wealth in the city, I cannot fail to mention important private collections, like ours, which includes pieces from great builders such as Antonio de Torres (Almería, 19th century), who shaped the modern guitar, and the Cádiz School of the 18th century, which also played a crucial role in the instrument’s evolution. We also created a deconstructed guitar for the Flamenco Chipén exhibition at the Centro Cultural El Águila, which could provide a fascinating opportunity to explore the instrument from the inside: link to the video.
Collections such as those of Carlos Martín Ballester, who explores the importance of phonography in Spain and the notable recording houses in Madrid, should also be taken into account for this proposal. Part of his collection was showcased in this exhibition: link to the exhibition.
Proposal for a Music Museum in Madrid
Madrid needs a dynamic center, one that moves with the times and cares for and preserves the national heritage. A space with a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, phonographic archives, and documentary and photographic collections for research. It should feature interactive maps that tell the history of music in the capital, a concert hall, training rooms, a library, and be open to research and the dissemination of Spanish musical culture. A pioneering center in constant transformation, with its own publications, which would attract both national and international audiences, collectors, and researchers from all over the world.
Madrid needs its own Music Museum, just as cities like Barcelona, Brussels, Edinburgh, and Paris already have.
A dream towards 2025: preserving musical heritage
From Ramírez Guitars, we once again express our wish, this time looking towards 2025, that this dream finally becomes a reality. May it reach the eyes of those in charge and may they understand the immense wealth we have preserved in the capital, allowing us to showcase it to the world. A museum that would make the city a reference in the history of music, creating something unique and attractive.
Happy 2025, long live music, and long live the Spanish Guitar!
