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Ernesto Cortázar was a Mexican composer and pianist who was born on October 26, 1923, in Mexico City. He was the son of a famous Mexican composer, also named Ernesto Cortázar, who was known for his zarzuelas, a type of Spanish operetta. From a young age, Cortázar showed a natural talent for music, and he began studying piano at the age of six. Cortázar's early musical education was heavily influenced by his father, who taught him the basics of music theory and composition. He also studied with several other prominent Mexican musicians, including Carlos Chávez and Blas Galindo. In 1942, Cortázar moved to the United States to continue his musical studies at the Juilliard School in New York City. During his time at Juilliard, Cortázar studied with several renowned composers, including Aaron Copland and Vincent Persichetti. He also began to develop his own unique style, which blended elements of classical music with Latin American rhythms and melodies. After graduating from Juilliard in 1946, Cortázar returned to Mexico and began to establish himself as a composer and pianist. One of Cortázar's early successes was his composition "Adiós Mariquita Linda," which became a hit in Mexico and was later recorded by several famous singers, including Nat King Cole and Perez Prado. The song's success helped to establish Cortázar as a leading figure in the Latin American music scene, and he went on to compose many more popular songs and instrumental pieces. In addition to his work as a composer, Cortázar was also a talented pianist, and he often performed his own compositions in concert. He was known for his virtuosic playing style, which combined technical precision with a deep emotional expressiveness. Some of his most famous piano compositions include "Blue Waters," "Eternal Love," and "Sentimental Melody." Throughout his career, Cortázar continued to explore new musical styles and techniques, and he was always looking for ways to incorporate elements of Latin American music into his compositions. He was particularly interested in the rhythms and melodies of traditional Mexican music, and he often used these elements as a basis for his own compositions. One of Cortázar's most famous works is his "Mexican Suite," which was composed in 1958. The suite is a collection of six pieces that are based on traditional Mexican folk songs and dances, including the huapango, the jarabe, and the son. The suite was an instant success and has since become one of Cortázar's most beloved works. Another notable composition by Cortázar is his "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was composed in 1960. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the piano, and it features many of Cortázar's signature musical elements, including Latin American rhythms and melodies. The concerto has been performed by many famous pianists, including Jorge Bolet and Claudio Arrau. In addition to his work as a composer and pianist, Cortázar was also a respected music educator. He taught at several universities in Mexico and the United States, including the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He was known for his passionate and engaging teaching style, and many of his students went on to become successful musicians in their own right. Ernesto Cortázar passed away on December 4, 2004, at the age of 81. He left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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