Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

1953 in Antequera, Malaga

 

Manuel Hidalgo was a Spanish composer who lived from 1928 to 1990. He was born in the city of Seville, in the southern region of Andalusia, on May 31, 1928. Hidalgo grew up in a family of musicians, and his father was a well-known composer and conductor in the region. From a young age, Hidalgo showed a great interest in music, and he began studying piano and composition with his father. Hidalgo's musical education continued at the Conservatory of Seville, where he studied composition, harmony, and counterpoint. He also studied piano with the renowned Spanish pianist Joaquín Rodrigo. After completing his studies, Hidalgo began working as a composer and conductor in Seville, where he quickly gained a reputation for his innovative and expressive music. Hidalgo's early works were heavily influenced by the traditional music of Andalusia, particularly flamenco and other forms of Spanish folk music. He also drew inspiration from the works of other Spanish composers, such as Manuel de Falla and Joaquín Rodrigo. Hidalgo's music was characterized by its rhythmic complexity, its use of unconventional harmonies, and its emotional intensity. One of Hidalgo's most famous works is his "Concierto de Aranjuez," which was composed in 1967. The concerto is a tribute to the city of Aranjuez, which is located near Madrid and is known for its beautiful gardens and palaces. The piece is scored for guitar and orchestra, and it is considered one of the most important works in the guitar repertoire. The concerto is notable for its use of Spanish folk melodies and rhythms, as well as its virtuosic guitar writing. Another important work by Hidalgo is his "Sinfonía Sevillana," which was composed in 1959. The symphony is a tribute to Hidalgo's hometown of Seville, and it is scored for a large orchestra. The piece is notable for its use of Andalusian folk melodies and rhythms, as well as its dramatic contrasts of mood and texture. Hidalgo's music was also influenced by his interest in literature and poetry. He often set the works of Spanish poets to music, including the works of Federico García Lorca and Antonio Machado. Hidalgo's settings of these poems are characterized by their sensitivity to the text, as well as their expressive use of harmony and melody. Throughout his career, Hidalgo received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Spanish music. In 1988, he was awarded the Gold Medal for Fine Arts by the Spanish government, and in 1990, he was posthumously awarded the National Music Prize. Hidalgo's music continues to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world, and his legacy as one of Spain's most important composers is secure.

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