Joaquin Turina

Joaquín Turina was a Spanish composer and classical guitarist of the late Romantic and early 20th century. He is widely regarded as one of the most important Spanish composers of his time, along with Isaac Albéniz, Enrique Granados and Manuel de Falla. He is known for his works that reflect the influence of traditional Andalusian music, impressionism and neo-classicism. Turina was born on 9 December 1882 in Seville, Spain. He showed an early interest in music and learned to play the piano and the guitar from his father, who was a musician. He also studied violin, harmony and composition at the Seville Conservatory. In 1902, he moved to Madrid to continue his studies at the Royal Conservatory, where he met de Falla, who became his lifelong friend. In 1905, Turina went to Paris with a scholarship from the Seville City Council. There he studied piano with Moritz Moszkowski and composition with Vincent d'Indy at the Schola Cantorum. He also met other influential composers such as Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Paul Dukas, who inspired him to develop his own musical language. He became interested in impressionism and incorporated elements of French music into his own style. Turina returned to Spain in 1914, after the outbreak of World War I. He settled in Madrid and worked as a composer, teacher, critic and organizer of musical events. He also traveled extensively throughout Spain and abroad, giving concerts and lectures. He married Obdulia Garzón in 1908 and had five children with her. He dedicated many of his works to his family and friends. Turina composed over 100 works in various genres, including operas, symphonic poems, orchestral suites, chamber music, piano pieces, guitar pieces and songs. His most famous works include Danzas fantásticas (1919), La oración del torero (1925), Sinfonía sevillana (1920), Sonata española (1930) and Hommage à Tárrega (1932). His music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, expressive dynamics and refined techniques. He often used Spanish folk motifs and rhythms, such as flamenco, sardana and bolero. Turina was a respected figure in the Spanish musical scene. He was a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando and the Spanish Academy of Arts. He was awarded the Grand Cross of Alfonso X the Wise by the Spanish government. He taught composition at the Madrid Royal Conservatory from 1931 until his death. Among his notable pupils were Vicente Asencio, Celedonio Romero, Rosa García Ascot and Joaquín Rodrigo. Turina suffered from several health problems throughout his life, such as diabetes, deafness in one ear and chronic bronchitis. In 1948, he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery. He died on 14 January 1949 in Madrid at the age of 66. He was buried in the Cementerio de la Almudena, where a monument was erected in his honor. His legacy lives on in his music and his students, who spread his teachings and influence around the world.