Issac Albeniz (EE-sock    al-BAY-niz)

Born May 29, 1860 in Catalan province of Gerona in N.E. Spain

Died May 18, 1909

Nationality: Spanish

Period/Style: Romantic

About the composer:

Isaac Albeniz wrote many pieces of music, especially for piano, which is the instrument he played very well, and for guitar, which was a very popular instrument in his native country.  Even when he was still a very young boy Issac’s mother knew he had a special talent, so she took him to one of the finest music schools in Paris to find a piano teacher. He was too young to be a student at that school, but he did take private lessons from a professor who taught there. When Isaac was eight, he and his family moved to the big city of Madrid where he continued his musical studies. It wasn’t long before he became known as the finest pianist in Spain, and he was even compared to another famous child prodigy: Mozart!

About the music:

Albeniz’ music has a distinctly Spanish sound, with rhythms and harmonies that were popular in Spain, and melodies that were often based on old folk songs of that region. He had a great love for his country, and his music reflects the culture and beauty of his homeland. Listen to the title(s) of the music you’re about to hear. Albeniz often used names of popular Spanish dances for his musical titles.

Suggested Activities:

Look up the word “prodigy” and find out what it means.

Study a map to identify the different regions or provinces of Spain.  Notice which countries are neighbors of Spain.