Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1885

Death

:

1951

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Vocal

 

María Grever was a Mexican composer and songwriter who was born on September 14, 1885, in León, Guanajuato, Mexico. She was the daughter of a Mexican father and an American mother, and her family moved to Mexico City when she was a child. Grever showed an early interest in music and began studying piano at a young age. She later studied composition with Mexican composer Carlos Chávez. Grever's early compositions were influenced by European classical music, but she also incorporated elements of Mexican folk music into her work. In 1912, she wrote her first hit song, "Júrame" ("Swear to Me"), which became a popular bolero and was later recorded by many artists, including Plácido Domingo and Andrea Bocelli. Throughout her career, Grever wrote over 800 songs, many of which became popular hits in Mexico and Latin America. Her music was known for its romantic and sentimental themes, and she often wrote about love and heartbreak. Some of her most famous songs include "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" ("When I Return to Your Side"), "Alma mía" ("My Soul"), and "Te quiero dijiste" ("You Said I Love You"). In addition to her work as a songwriter, Grever also composed classical music. She wrote several orchestral works, including a symphony and a piano concerto. Her classical compositions were well-received by critics, and she was praised for her ability to blend traditional European classical music with Mexican folk music. Grever's music was popular not only in Mexico but also in the United States and Europe. Her songs were recorded by many famous artists, including Nat King Cole, Edith Piaf, and Bing Crosby. She also wrote music for several Hollywood films, including the 1934 film "Wonder Bar," which starred Al Jolson. Despite her success as a composer, Grever faced discrimination as a woman in the male-dominated music industry. She was often dismissed as a songwriter and not taken seriously as a composer. However, she continued to write music and was eventually recognized for her contributions to Mexican music. In 1951, Grever was awarded the Mexican National Prize for Arts and Sciences in the Fine Arts category, becoming the first woman to receive the award. She was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972. Grever died on December 15, 1951, in New York City, at the age of 66. Her legacy as a composer and songwriter continues to be celebrated in Mexico and around the world. Her music has been covered by countless artists and remains popular to this day.

More....