Manuel de Falla

Short biography: Manuel de Falla was born in Cádiz, Spain, in 1876 and became one of Spain's most prominent composers. He studied piano and composition at the Madrid Conservatory in the 1890s. In 1907, he moved to Paris where he lived for seven years, absorbing French impressionist influences. After returning to Spain during World War I, he settled first in Madrid and later in Granada, before emigrating to Argentina in 1939, where he died in 1946.

Historical placement: Falla was a leading figure in Spanish musical nationalism of the early 20th century, incorporating authentic Andalusian folk elements into sophisticated modern compositions. His work bridged late Romanticism and early modernism, combining Spanish folk idioms with impressionist harmonies and neoclassical techniques. He played a crucial role in establishing a distinctive Spanish classical music style that gained international recognition.

Personal connections: He studied composition with Felipe Pedrell, who was instrumental in developing Spanish musical nationalism. During his Paris years, he formed friendships with Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, who influenced his harmonic language. He collaborated with Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes on several productions. He maintained a close friendship and professional relationship with guitarist Andrés Segovia, composing works for him.

Important works:
La vida breve – Opera (1905)
Noches en los jardines de España – Piano and Orchestra (1916)
El amor brujo – Ballet (1915)
El sombrero de tres picos – Ballet (1919)
Fantasía bética – Piano (1919)
El retablo de maese Pedro – Puppet opera (1923)
Concerto for Harpsichord – Harpsichord and Chamber Ensemble (1926)
Siete canciones populares españolas – Voice and Piano (1914)