Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

April 11, 1880 in Puenteareas, Pontevedra

Death

:

October 29, 1929 in Madrid, Spain

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Reveriano Soutullo (1880-1932) was a Spanish composer of zarzuela, a form of Spanish operetta. He was born on October 1, 1880, in the town of Ponteareas, in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain. His father, José Soutullo, was a musician and composer, and his mother, María del Carmen Rodríguez, was a singer. Soutullo grew up in a musical family and began his musical education at a young age. Soutullo studied music at the Conservatory of Madrid, where he was a student of Tomás Bretón, a prominent Spanish composer of the time. He also studied with other notable musicians, including Joaquín Rodrigo, who would later become famous for his guitar concerto. Soutullo's early compositions were influenced by the music of his native Galicia, which is known for its distinctive folk music. Soutullo's first major success as a composer came in 1907, when he and his collaborator, Juan Vert, wrote the zarzuela La leyenda del beso (The Legend of the Kiss). The work was an instant hit and became one of the most popular zarzuelas of all time. It tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a gypsy girl and must overcome various obstacles to win her heart. The music is characterized by its catchy melodies and lively rhythms, and it has been performed countless times in Spain and around the world. Soutullo and Vert went on to write several more successful zarzuelas, including La del soto del parral (The One from the Grove of the Vine), which premiered in 1927. This work is set in a rural village and tells the story of a young woman who must choose between two suitors. The music is notable for its use of traditional Spanish folk melodies and rhythms, and it has been praised for its evocative portrayal of rural life in Spain. Another notable work by Soutullo and Vert is La del manojo de rosas (The One with the Bunch of Roses), which premiered in 1934, two years after Soutullo's death. The work tells the story of a young woman who works in a flower shop and falls in love with a wealthy man. The music is characterized by its light, playful melodies and its use of popular dance rhythms such as the pasodoble. Soutullo's music is known for its catchy melodies, lively rhythms, and colorful orchestration. He was a master of the zarzuela form, which combines spoken dialogue with sung arias and ensemble numbers. His music is often compared to that of his contemporary, Federico Moreno Torroba, who was also a prominent composer of zarzuela. Soutullo died on October 29, 1932, at the age of 52. His legacy as a composer of zarzuela lives on, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. In recognition of his contributions to Spanish music, a street in his hometown of Ponteareas has been named after him, and a monument has been erected in his honor.

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