Sometimes seeing a world-famous musician only requires a short walk.

Fareed Haque, classical guitarist and NIU music professor, performed Thursday night at the Music Building’s Recital Hall.

Haque began without words, launching immediately into a melodic prelude, the first movement in a suite by Johann Sebastian Bach. In addition to the suite, he performed variations on the theme of Mozart by Fernando Sor, and a Concerto D’Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo.

The tempo varied throughout the performance, from emotional adagio to spirited allegro. The music contained many very complex arrangements and rhythm formations.

William Koehler, NIU music professor, accompanied Haque on piano during the concerto.

“I really think Professor Haque is a stellar performer,” he said. “What he does with rhythm and the musical line is really magical. Working with him is a privilege.”

David Story, a junior computer science major, assents to Haque’s skill.

“It was amazing to see someone so talented and with such dexterity of fingers,” he said. “He plucked out each individual note; he didn’t just strum the guitar.”

An estimated 140 people were crammed in the intimate hall. Dan Rath, a freshman physical education major, was impressed my the size of the audience.

“I was kind of surprised to see people sitting on the floor,” he said. “People really wanted to see this guy.”

Both Rath and Story said they came to fulfill a requirement for a class and also for their own personal enjoyment.

Angela Chapman, a visitor to DeKalb from Virginia, said she merely wanted to learn more about classical guitar-playing, but she is very glad she came.

“The music is just great,” Chapman said. “It’s very relaxing.”

Audience members watched in respectful silence during the entire recital as Haque’s fingers intricately created music, but they showed their approval through enthusiastic applause. They demanded an encore and received a light, mid-tempo piece for the show’s conclusion.

“The encore was a good way to put the frosting on the cake,” Story said.