Composer of the Month 5/2009: Isaac Albéniz   (selected by Peter van Dessel / Belgium)

Spain 7.11.1960 The Spanish composer and pianist Isaac Manuel Francisco Albéniz was born on May 29th, 1860 in Camprodon Girona. He started his musical career as a child prodigy at the piano. He gave his first concert at the age of four years. At the age of twelve years he ran away from home. Via Puerto Rico, Buenos Aires and Cuba he came to New York and San Francisco. He financed journeys and stay by piano concertos. After his return to Spain he found patrons, who made it possible for him to study in Germany and Belgium. In 1874 he started his studies at the conservatory in Leipzig, where he met Franz Liszt in 1880. Albeniz included the rhythm of Spanish and Andalusian folk music in his piano pieces. He therefore is regarded as the founder of the Spanish national style, which combines folkloric elements with a virtuoso piano. Isaac Albéniz died in Cambo-les-Bains on May 18th , 1909. His death centennary comes up in May 2009. The video shows Pepe Romero playing the movement "Asturias" (Leyenda) from the "Suite espanola" op.47 by Isaac Albéniz. More composers in our "members only" section.