 |
Alberto Evaristo GinasteraArgentine composer
Date of Birth: 11.04.1916
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Studies in the United States
- Musical Periods
- Influence of Progressive Rock
- Operatic Success
- Notable Pupils
Early Life and Education
Alberto Ginastera was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina to a Catalan father and an Italian mother. Proud of his Catalan heritage, he preferred the Catalan spelling of his name (Ginastera) to the Spanish version (Ginastera). Ginastera received formal musical training at the Buenos Aires Conservatory, graduating in 1938.
Studies in the United States
From 1945 to 1947, Ginastera studied in the United States under renowned composer and conductor Aaron Copland at Tanglewood. After returning to Buenos Aires, he founded the Composers' Union of Argentina.
Musical Periods
Ginastera divided his music into three distinct periods:- Objective Nationalism(1934-1948): Incorporates Argentine folk themes.
- Subjective Nationalism(1948-1958): Uses Argentine musical elements in a more abstract manner.
- Neo-Expressionism(1958-1983): Characterized by intense emotionalism and experimental techniques.
Influence of Progressive Rock
Ginastera's work gained renewed attention through the progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer. They adapted the finale of his First Piano Concerto into a piece called "Tocatta" on their album "Brain Salad Surgery" with Ginastera's approval.
Operatic Success
Ginastera's success in opera was largely due to the exceptional performances of singers. His opera "Don Rodrigo" premiered unsuccessfully in Argentina but became a triumph in New York in 1966, featuring a young Placido Domingo in the lead role.
Notable Pupils
Ginastera was a highly regarded teacher whose students included:- Astor Piazzolla (Argentina)
- Alcides Lanza (Canada)
- Waldo de los Rios (Argentina)
- Jacqueline Nova (Colombia)
- Rafael Aponte-Ledée (Puerto Rico)
Later Years and Legacy
In 1968, Ginastera briefly returned to the United States. He spent his final years in Europe, living in Switzerland until his passing in Geneva on June 25, 1983. Ginastera remains one of the most celebrated Latin American classical composers of all time.
