The German guitarist and composer, Siegfried Behrend, entered at
the age of 16 Klindworth-Scharwenka Conservatory in Berlin,
where he studied piano, composition and conducting. His father,
a guitar virtuoso, guided his interest, and Siegfried was mostly
a self-taught guitarist. Siegfried Behrend made his debut as
guitarist in Berlin (Baker's) or Leipzig (AMG) in 1952, and went
on to make many world tours. Between September 1966 and June
1967 he made a concert tour through Germany, Asia and the USA,
in which he performed works of De Visée, J.S. Bach, Sor,
Giuliani, Ambrosius, Behrend, and De Falla. This programme
reflects his versatility. His speciality was in avant-garde
music, and several composers, including Becker and Penderecki
have written works for him. He was known for his smooth
technique and for his inclusion in his repertoire of popular
pieces. He was the most important German guitarist of his time.