Alexios Anest Records at GSI

Alexios Anest recently recorded five videos at the GSI’s showroom, which included a few of his own compositions. Alexios Anest is a composer and recording artist known for his highly virtuosic guitar playing. A classical musician in spirit and a rock&roller at heart, Alexios’ music ranges from intricate baroque style acoustic pieces, to epic symphonic melodies & electrifying guitar solos. Born in a small farm town in western Nebraska, he taught himself the guitar and piano at age of 14, learning everything from Led Zeppelin to J.S. Bach. He later studied guitar and piano at the Berklee College of Music and the University of Nebraska Lincoln. His musical journey has taken him all over the world, most notably to Granada, Spain, where he lived and studied flamenco guitar. Alexios is a featured soloist with "The World of Hans Zimmer" a touring production featuring the music of film composer Hans Zimmer.

Alexios performed his own composition "Saca La Basura" (Take Out The Trash) which is a flamenco inspired piece. He recorded this piece on a 2003 Francisco Barba flamenco guitar made with spruce top and cypress back and sides.

"Herencia Latina (Rumba)" by Paco Peña is a vibrant flamenco composition that showcases the rhythmic vitality and expressive depth of the rumba flamenca style. Composed by the esteemed Spanish guitarist Paco Peña, this piece is part of his collection of flamenco works that blend traditional forms with contemporary sensibilities.​ The rumba flamenca, with its Afro-Cuban influences, is characterized by its upbeat tempo and percussive rhythms. In "Herencia Latina," Peña employs intricate rasgueado techniques and syncopated rhythms to create a dynamic and engaging musical narrative. The composition features a series of falsetas (melodic variations) that highlight Peña's mastery of the flamenco guitar and his ability to convey emotion through complex rhythmic patterns. He recorded this on a 2004 Paulino Bernabe "Flamenco Negra" guitar made with spruce top and CSA rosewood back and sides

Alexios also performed his composition "Prelude", which is a beautiful yet melancholic piece. He recorded this piece on a 2021 Felipe Conde "Sobrinos de Esteso 1974" classical guitar.

​"Andaluza (Danza)" by Regino Sáinz de la Maza is a captivating solo guitar piece that pays homage to the rich musical traditions of Andalusia, a region in southern Spain renowned for its flamenco heritage.The piece is characterized by its vibrant energy and expressive melodies, reflecting the passionate spirit of Andalusian dance. Through intricate fingerwork and dynamic contrasts, Sáinz de la Maza captures the essence of the region's musical landscape, offering listeners a glimpse into the soulful world of Spanish guitar music. He recorded on a 1966 Manuel de la Chica flamenco guitar made with spruce top and cypress back and sides.

Lastly, Alexios performed his composition titled "Se Fue". It is written in the flamenco style and very dramatic. Alexios recorded this piece on a 2012 Erez Perelman flamenco blanca guitar made with spruce top and cypress rosewood back and sides.