Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1912

Death

:

1973

 

Ovelio Riera was a Venezuelan composer and musician who was born on January 23, 1923, in Caracas, Venezuela. He was the son of a well-known Venezuelan composer, Vicente Emilio Sojo, who was also a music educator and conductor. Riera grew up in a musical family and was exposed to music from a very young age. He began his musical studies at the age of six, and by the age of 12, he was already performing in public. Riera's early musical education was heavily influenced by his father, who taught him the basics of music theory and composition. He also studied piano with the renowned Venezuelan pianist, Teresa Carreño. Riera's talent as a composer was evident from a young age, and he began to compose his own music while still a teenager. In 1941, Riera enrolled at the National Conservatory of Music in Caracas, where he studied composition with Vicente Emilio Sojo and piano with Moisés Moleiro. He graduated from the conservatory in 1946 with a degree in composition. After graduation, Riera began to work as a music educator, teaching at various schools and conservatories in Venezuela. Riera's early compositions were heavily influenced by the folk music of Venezuela. He was particularly interested in the music of the llanos, a region in Venezuela known for its distinctive musical style. Riera's compositions often incorporated elements of this music, including its rhythms and melodies. One of Riera's most famous works is his Suite Llanera, which was composed in 1952. The suite is a collection of four pieces for piano that are based on traditional llanera music. The suite is considered to be one of the most important works in the Venezuelan classical music repertoire and has been performed by many pianists around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, Riera was also a talented pianist. He often performed his own compositions in public, and his piano playing was highly regarded by his contemporaries. Riera's piano style was characterized by its technical virtuosity and its ability to convey the emotional depth of his compositions. Riera's music was not limited to the piano, however. He also composed works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and voice. One of his most famous vocal works is his Canción de Cuna para Dormir a un Negrito, which was composed in 1947. The piece is a lullaby for voice and piano that is based on a traditional Venezuelan folk song. The piece has been performed by many singers around the world and is considered to be one of Riera's most popular works. Throughout his career, Riera was recognized for his contributions to Venezuelan classical music. He received numerous awards and honors, including the National Prize for Music in 1977. He was also a member of the Venezuelan Academy of Music and was awarded the Order of Andrés Bello, one of Venezuela's highest honors. Riera continued to compose and perform music throughout his life. He died on December 7, 1989, in Caracas, Venezuela, at the age of 66. His legacy as a composer and musician continues to be celebrated in Venezuela and around the world.

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