Antonio Lauro (1917–1986) was a Venezuelan guitarist and composer renowned for his significant contributions to classical guitar music. Initially trained as a pianist, he shifted his focus to the guitar after being inspired by Agustín Barrios Mangoré. Lauro's compositions, particularly his Venezuelan waltzes like "Natalia," "El Negrito," and "El Marabino," blend traditional Venezuelan rhythms with classical techniques, creating a distinctive and captivating style. His works have become staples in the classical guitar repertoire, performed and recorded by guitarists worldwide. Beyond composing, Lauro was a dedicated educator and performer, helping to elevate the guitar's status in the classical music world. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Lauro?utm_source=openai))