Role

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Composer  

Period

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Modern

Genre

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Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Federico Longas was a Spanish composer born on January 23, 1893, in the city of Barcelona. He was the youngest of four siblings, and his father was a well-known musician who played the violin. Longas showed an interest in music from a young age and began studying the piano at the age of six. He later studied composition with the renowned composer Joaquín Rodrigo. Longas's early compositions were heavily influenced by the music of his native Catalonia, and he often incorporated traditional Catalan folk melodies into his works. He also drew inspiration from the works of other Spanish composers, such as Manuel de Falla and Isaac Albéniz. In 1914, Longas moved to Paris to study at the Conservatoire de Paris. While in Paris, he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles, including the works of Debussy, Ravel, and Stravinsky. Longas's compositions began to reflect these new influences, and he began experimenting with new forms and techniques. Longas's breakthrough came in 1923 with the premiere of his ballet El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat). The ballet, which was based on a story by Pedro Antonio de Alarcón, was an instant success and established Longas as one of Spain's leading composers. The ballet was later adapted into a suite for orchestra, which remains one of Longas's most popular works. Longas continued to compose throughout the 1920s and 1930s, producing a wide range of works in various genres, including chamber music, vocal music, and orchestral works. He also continued to draw inspiration from Spanish folk music, incorporating traditional melodies and rhythms into his compositions. In 1936, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War forced Longas to flee Spain and seek refuge in France. He continued to compose while in exile, but his works during this period were often more introspective and reflective, reflecting the turmoil and uncertainty of the times. Longas returned to Spain in 1941 and resumed his career as a composer. He continued to produce a wide range of works, including operas, ballets, and symphonies. His later works were often more experimental, incorporating elements of atonality and serialism. Longas died on January 14, 1962, in Barcelona. He left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to be celebrated and performed today. His works remain an important part of the Spanish classical music canon, and his influence can be heard in the works of many contemporary Spanish composers.

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