Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

February 17, 1904 in Barcelona, Spain

Death

:

September 7, 1973 in Danbury, CT

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Enric Madriguera was a Spanish-American composer, arranger, and bandleader who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on September 15, 1904, in Barcelona, Spain, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Madriguera began his musical training at the age of six, studying the violin and piano. He showed exceptional talent and was soon performing in public concerts. At the age of 14, he joined the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra as a violinist, where he gained valuable experience playing in a professional setting. In 1921, Madriguera moved to Paris to further his musical education. He studied composition with Nadia Boulanger, a renowned French composer and teacher, and also took lessons in conducting and orchestration. During his time in Paris, Madriguera was exposed to a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, which would later influence his own compositions. In 1924, Madriguera moved to the United States and settled in New York City. He quickly established himself as a talented musician and began working as a violinist and arranger for various orchestras and bands. In 1927, he formed his own orchestra, which became known for its unique blend of classical and popular music. Madriguera's compositions were heavily influenced by his Spanish heritage and his exposure to jazz. He wrote many pieces for his orchestra, including "Adios Muchachos," "Cielito Lindo," and "La Paloma." His arrangements of popular songs, such as "Begin the Beguine" and "Perfidia," became hits and helped to popularize Latin American music in the United States. In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Madriguera was also a talented conductor. He led his orchestra on numerous tours throughout the United States and Europe, and also conducted for other orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic. Madriguera's career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Army. After the war, he continued to compose and perform, but his popularity began to wane as musical tastes shifted. He retired from music in the 1950s and moved to Florida, where he lived until his death in 1973. Despite his relatively short career, Enric Madriguera made a significant impact on the world of classical music. His unique blend of classical and popular music helped to popularize Latin American music in the United States, and his arrangements of popular songs became hits in their own right. His legacy lives on through his compositions and recordings, which continue to be enjoyed by music lovers around the world.

More....