Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

March 14, 1835 in Murcia, Spain

Death

:

February 26, 1906 in Madrid, Spain

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Manuel Fernández Caballero was a Spanish composer of zarzuela, a form of Spanish operetta, who lived from March 14, 1835, to February 26, 1906. He was born in Murcia, Spain, to a family of musicians. His father, Antonio Fernández, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, María Caballero, was a singer. Manuel showed an early interest in music and began studying piano and composition at a young age. In 1852, at the age of 17, Manuel moved to Madrid to further his musical education. He studied at the Madrid Conservatory under the tutelage of composer and conductor Francisco Asenjo Barbieri. During this time, he also worked as a pianist and conductor in various theaters and cafes in Madrid. Manuel's first major success as a composer came in 1862 with the premiere of his zarzuela "El dúo de La Africana" (The Duet from Africa). The piece was an instant hit and became one of the most popular zarzuelas of the 19th century. It was performed throughout Spain and Latin America and was even translated into Italian and French. Over the next few years, Manuel continued to compose zarzuelas, many of which were also well-received. Some of his most notable works from this period include "Gigantes y cabezudos" (Giants and Bigheads), "La chavala" (The Girl), and "La viejecita" (The Little Old Lady). In 1871, Manuel was appointed the director of the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid, a position he held for the next 20 years. During his tenure, he worked to elevate the quality of zarzuela productions and introduced new works by up-and-coming composers. One of Manuel's most famous works from this period is "La verbena de la Paloma" (The Fair of the Virgin of La Paloma), which premiered in 1894. The piece is now considered a classic of the zarzuela genre and is still performed regularly in Spain and Latin America. Manuel's later years were marked by personal tragedy. In 1899, his wife and two of his children died in a fire at their home in Madrid. Despite this devastating loss, Manuel continued to compose and work at the Teatro de la Zarzuela until his death in 1906. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Manuel was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Madrid Conservatory and was known for his dedication to his students. Manuel Fernández Caballero's contributions to the zarzuela genre have had a lasting impact on Spanish music. His works continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world, and his legacy as a composer and educator lives on.

More....