Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

March 15, 1942 in Barcelona, Spain

Death

:

November 23, 2011 in Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Montserrat Figueras was a renowned Spanish soprano and early music specialist who was born on March 15, 1942, in Barcelona, Spain. She was the daughter of a composer and a singer, and her parents were instrumental in shaping her musical career. Figueras began her musical training at a young age, studying piano and voice at the Barcelona Conservatory. She later went on to study at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland, where she specialized in early music. Figueras' career as a professional musician began in the 1970s, when she formed the ensemble Hespèrion XX with her husband, Jordi Savall. The group was dedicated to performing early music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, and quickly gained a reputation for their innovative and authentic interpretations of this repertoire. Figueras' unique vocal style, which combined elements of traditional Spanish singing with early music techniques, was a key factor in the group's success. Throughout her career, Figueras performed extensively with Hespèrion XX, as well as with other early music ensembles such as La Capella Reial de Catalunya and Le Concert des Nations. She also collaborated with a number of contemporary composers, including John Cage, Peter Maxwell Davies, and Heinz Holliger, and was known for her willingness to experiment with new musical styles and techniques. One of Figueras' most notable performances was her interpretation of the medieval Spanish epic poem, the Cantigas de Santa Maria. She recorded several albums of this repertoire with Hespèrion XX, and her hauntingly beautiful renditions of these ancient songs helped to bring them to a wider audience. Figueras was also known for her interpretations of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, and her recordings of his cantatas and other works are considered some of the finest examples of early music performance. In addition to her work as a performer, Figueras was also a respected musicologist and scholar. She published several books on early music, including a study of the music of the Spanish Renaissance composer Francisco Guerrero, and was a frequent lecturer and teacher at universities and music conservatories around the world. Figueras received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the prestigious National Music Prize of Catalonia in 1997. She was also awarded the Cross of Saint George, the highest honor given by the government of Catalonia, in recognition of her contributions to the arts. Sadly, Figueras passed away on November 23, 2011, at the age of 69. Her legacy as a performer, scholar, and advocate for early music continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

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