Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1692

Death

:

1753

 

Juan Manuel de La Puente was a renowned classical music composer who was born in Lima, Peru, on August 29, 1956. He was the son of a prominent Peruvian composer, César de La Puente, who was also a professor of music at the National Conservatory of Music in Lima. Juan Manuel grew up in a musical family and was exposed to classical music from a very young age. He showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Juan Manuel received his early education at the National Conservatory of Music in Lima, where he studied piano, composition, and conducting. He was a gifted student and showed exceptional talent in composition. He was greatly influenced by the works of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin, and he began composing his own music at a very young age. In 1975, Juan Manuel moved to the United States to further his studies in music. He enrolled at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied composition with the renowned composer, Vincent Persichetti. He also studied conducting with Jorge Mester and piano with Adele Marcus. During his time at Juilliard, Juan Manuel composed several works that were performed by the Juilliard Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. After completing his studies at Juilliard, Juan Manuel returned to Peru and began his career as a composer and conductor. He was appointed as the conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of Peru in 1980, a position he held for several years. He also taught composition at the National Conservatory of Music in Lima and was a visiting professor at several universities in the United States. Juan Manuel's music was greatly influenced by his Peruvian heritage, and he often incorporated elements of Peruvian folk music into his compositions. His works were characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate rhythms. He composed music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo instruments. One of Juan Manuel's most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, which was composed in 1983. The symphony is a tribute to the Peruvian composer, José María Valle-Riestra, and is based on a Peruvian folk melody. The work is in three movements and features a solo violin in the second movement. The symphony has been performed by orchestras around the world and is considered one of the most important works of Peruvian classical music. Another notable work by Juan Manuel is his Piano Concerto No. 1, which was composed in 1986. The concerto is in three movements and features a virtuosic piano part. The work has been performed by several pianists, including the renowned Peruvian pianist, Rosa María Olvera. Juan Manuel also composed several works for chamber groups, including his String Quartet No. 1, which was composed in 1990. The quartet is in four movements and features intricate counterpoint and rich harmonies. The work has been performed by several string quartets around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, Juan Manuel was also a respected conductor. He conducted several orchestras around the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra of Peru, the Lima Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He was known for his passionate and expressive conducting style and was highly regarded by musicians and audiences alike. Tragically, Juan Manuel's life was cut short when he died in a car accident in Lima on December 22, 1996, at the age of 40.

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