Composers
“Music is not man’s invention, but his heritage from the blessed spirits.” – Tomas Luis de Victoria
Isaac Albéniz
IsaacAlbéniz, a composer from Camprodón in Catalonia, was considered a child prodigy. During his life he traveled across the world to play concerts and worked for several musical theatre companies. He is best known for his collection Iberia, a suite of twelve “impressions” for piano.
Manuel de Falla
Growing up in Cádiz had a significant musical impact on Manuel de Falla. He was fascinated by the cante jondo of flamenco and inspired by the guitar. He established himself as a symphonist who promoted Spanish nationalism with his composition Noches en Los Jardines de España.
Enrique Granados
Enrique Granados composed for many instruments, but is considered the “poet of the piano.” He was one of the few Spanish composers concerned with creating a school for the next generation of pianists. He is famous for his expressive method of pedalling, as demonstrated in his suite entitled Goyescas.
Alicia de Larrocha
Alicia de Larrocha was a renowned Catalonian pianist and composer, celebrated for her mastery of a diverse repertoire and her dedication to Spanish music. Despite her own modest view of her compositions, she strongly influenced piano pedagogy and performance.
Padre Antonio Soler
Antonio Soler Ramos, born in Olot, Catalonia,began studying music at the Escolanía de Montserrat when he was six years old. He became known as Padre Antonio Soler when he officially joined the church. He is remembered for his sonatas, organ compositions, and daring ideas on musical theory.
Narcisa Freixas
Narcisa Freixas was born in Sabadell, Catalonia, in 1859. She was a pianist, composer, and pedagogue. She wanted to make music accessible to everyone and founded the school of music “Cultura Musical Popular.” She composed more than 200 musical pieces, most of them with a pedagogical purpose. She composed some pieces for piano based on the different folklore of Spain.
María Rodrigo
Image: May 26, 2016 by Guitaristguitarist
María Rodrigo was born in Madrid in 1888. She was a composer, pianist, and educator. Her compositions include music for orchestra, zarzuela, opera, and piano. During the civil war, she emigrated to Switzerland and later to Colombia. Eventually, she became a professor at the University of Puerto Rico. She passed away in Puerto Rico, and many of her compositions have not been found.
Rosa García Ascot
Image: November 20, 2016 by Aeterna Christi Munera
Rosa García Ascot was born in Madrid in 1902. She was a pianist and a composer and studied with Manuel de Falla. She married the musicologist Jesús Bal y Gay. During her career, she composed works for piano, guitar, and orchestra. During her lifetime, she premiered her own compositions as well as those of her fellow composers and friends, including Ernesto and Rodolfo Halffter.