The ECM debut for internationally acclaimed and multiple prize-winning guitarist Pablo Márquez is also the first solo classical guitar record ever on the label. The recording features music of timeless beauty and vitality - 16th century Spanish composer Luys de Narváez' Seys Libros del Delphin. For his most important work, Narváez (ca. 1500-1550) assembled fantasias, settings of vocal pieces, secular and religious songs and various "diferencias," which are the first compositions in music history to be officially identified as variations. These pieces were originally written for the vihuela, a predecessor of the modern guitar, and Marquez has chosen 17 of the original 40 works for this recording. The homogeneous and approachable program is marked by a remarkably vocal elasticity and melodic warmth. Pablo Márquez was born in Argentina where he studied the guitar with Jorge Martinez Zaráte and Eduardo Fernández before training in Early Music with Javier Hinojosa in Europe. Among his chamber music partners are several ECM Artists: bandoneonist Dino Saluzzi and his family group, cellist Anja Lechner (with whom he's played duos since 2005) and the Rosamunde Quartett. He also champions new works from South America with the Ensemble Alma Viva. Marquez' continuous involvement with contemporary music lead to several first performances and to close collaborations with composers such as Luciano Berio, György Kurtág and Maurizio Kagel.