Manuel Ponce (1882-1948)

[schnittkease]

Arguably the most important Mexican composer after Revueltas and Chávez is Manuel Ponce (1882-1948).



"Ponce was the first Mexican composer who consistently introduced elements of the folk and popular music of his country to classical composition. He is also internationally known among guitarists and lovers of guitar music; he was among the first modern composers to write extensively for the guitar, and, through his association with guitarist Andrés Segovia, he played a key role in the revival of the guitar in classical music. Ponce made a variety of contributions to the classical repertory over his long career, never remaining content with a style he had mastered but always forging forward with new musical investigations. In the history of Mexican classical music he is rivaled in importance only by Carlos Chávez."

Great biography: http://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-history-composers-and-performers-biographies/manuel-ponce

Any fans of this man's music?

[Spineur]

I enjoy listening to his music.  He has a pretty large discography, not always available however.

His guitar music is what he is best known for.  This very cheap box has it all is wonderful



His suite antigua commissoned by Segovia is probably my favorite composition of his.

I like his song cycles too (half in spanish half in french).

[asin]B000FMR5EC[/asin]

His piano music is I find less idosynchratic (I havent heard his piano concertos)

[bwv 1080]

Yes, the Abiton album is outstanding - really about the best recordings made of these pieces