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Isaac ALBENIZ

29 May 1860 - 18 May 1909 (age 49)

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Isaac Albeniz was a Catalan composer and virtuoso pianist.
He was one of the main proponents of a Spanish national style of composition.
Best known for his piano works, many of which have been arranged by others for guitar and/or orchestra.

Centenary

2009 is the centenary of his death.
Watch out for special publications, concerts, promotions. If you hear of any let me know as I hope to devote a section for listing them.

The annual Musique en Côte Basque festival this year is dedicated to Albeniz. They have used my portrait of him on their website, posters, programmes and publicity material.

Family

Born: Isaac Manuel Francisco Albéniz i Pascual,
29 May 1960 Camprodon, Catalonia, Spain
Father: Angel Albeniz, Basque/Spanish. Customs officer.
Mother: Dolors Pascual, Catalan/Spanish
Siblings: 3 sisters
Partners: 1883 Married Rosina Jordana, a student of his.
Children: Five - 4 girls (2 of which died in infancy) + 1 boy
Blanca, died in 1886.
Laura,a painter
Alfonso, diplomat. Also played football for Real Madrid
Great-grand-daughter: Cecilia Cigane-Albeniz Sarkozy. Former First lady of France (ex wife of President Sarkozy)
Died: of kidney disease at Cambo-les-Bains, Pays Basque.
Grave: Cementiri del Sudoest, Barcelona

Temperament

Isaac Albeniz was a kind, cheerful and generous man with a keen sense of humour (and a taste for cigars). Every one that knew him liked and respected him.
Besides being a serious concert pianist he liked entertaining and produced various works for the stage including operas. He showed off tricks such as playing with his back to the piano or with the keyboard covered with a cloth.

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Works

5 operas including:
- Henry Clifford
- Pepita Jiménez
- Merlin
Many works for the piano including:
- Suite Espagnola (8 pieces)
- Espagna (6 pieces)
- Iberia (12 pieces)
Orchestral works including:
- 2 piano concertos

Travels

Throughout his life he travelled widely.
His father had postings in various regions of Spain and even to Havana and Puerto Rico.
He studied in Barcelona, Madrid, Paris and Leipzig.
He lived in London for 4 years and also a period in Paris, Brussels, Nice and Leipzig.
As a concert pianist he performed all over Europe.

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Museu Isaac Albeniz

In his birthplace, Camprodon, on the Costa Brava, there is his museum. It has original scores, letters, personal possessions, photos, paintings, furniture.
Every year it organises an important Music Festival.
In 2009 and 2010 it is organising special celebrations and concerts for the centenary of his death and 150th anniversary of his birth.
Read more at Museu Isaac Albeniz

Books, CDs and DVDs

I have made a selection of recommended items from the UK, Canadian and USA Amazon sites. Click on an item to read available reviews.

Amazon.com selection (USA)
UK selection at amazon.co.uk
Selection at Amazon.ca - Canada

Albeniz on eBay

You will find lots of Albeniz related items on eBay, some new, some used, some common, some rare. Always good for a browse - you never know what you may find!

Where to go for more information

Here I have merely presented a taster of his life and works. If you would like to know more then I suggest the following websites:

An interesting short biography at: gaudiallgaudi.com

his life and music - Alhambrismo

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Asturias(Leyenda) - played by John Williams

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