Famous Spanish Classical Composers

For this post we take a brief look at the famous Spanish classical composers featured on our site along with a selection of their works. Many of the Spanish composers listed here are from the late Romantic period when nationalist music was becoming more popular. Spanish classical music has been heavily influenced over time by traditional folk songs and dances with the guitar being one of the most popular instruments used.

Composers and their works

Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909)
One of Albéniz well known pieces is Op.165, No.2 Tango from the suite Espana.

Sebastián Yradier (1809-1865)
Yradier composed the habanera La Paloma following a trip to Cuba.

Francisco Tàrrega (1852-1909)
See if you can spot the recognisable phrase in Gran Vals. The phrase was adopted by a communications company as their signature mobile phone ring tone back in the early ’90s.

Joaquin Malats (1872-1912)
Malats’ most famous work is Serenata Espanola, no.2 from Impresiones de Espana Though he wrote this for strings and piano it has become a favourite piece of guitarists around the world.

Enrique Granados (1867-1916)
The deceptively simple to play Valse Poeticos Op.10 No.1 from the Poetic Waltzes.

Fernando Sor (1778-1839)
Sor wrote the fantasy Op.34: Encouragement during the Romantic period.

Ruperto Chapí (1851-1909)
Serenata from La Corte de Granada, Fantasia morisca. This is a Moorish Fantasy.

Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908)
Op.23, No.6: Zapateado is a pretty piece from a collection of Spanish dances.

Miguel Llobet (1878-1938)
A gentle piece from Popular Catalan Folk Songs is La Filla del Marxant, or The Merchants Daughter.

Manuel de Falla (1876-1946)
Spanish Dance No.1 from the Opera, La Vida Breve. This is a passionate piece.

Though it’s not Christmas, our final mention is to Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611). His O Magnum Mysterium perfectly depicts the Nativity Scene.

Next time we’ll look at famous composers from France.