Surinach, Carlos

Surinach, Carlos
▪ 1998

      Spanish-born American composer whose classical compositions were strongly influenced by traditional Spanish flamenco rhythms; he was best known for composing ballet scores for Martha Graham (b. March 1915—d. Nov. 12, 1997).

* * *

▪ American composer
born March 4, 1915, Barcelona, Spain
died Nov. 12, 1997, New Haven, Conn., U.S.

      Spanish-born American composer, known chiefly for his vibrant ballet scores influenced by traditional flamenco rhythms and melodies.

      Surinach was the son of a Spanish stockbroker and an Austrian-Polish pianist. He took piano lessons from his mother until he was 13, and at age 14 he entered the Caminals Academy of Music, where he studied piano and music theory. He studied composition (1936–39) privately with Enrique Morera, director of the Barcelona Municipal Conservatory, under whose direction he composed his earliest works. On Morera's advice, Surinach went to Germany in 1940, studying in Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Berlin. After a few years he returned to Barcelona, where in 1944 he was made conductor of the Barcelona Philharmonic Orchestra and where he introduced his Passacaglia-Sinfonia in 1945.

      In the years that followed, Surinach was guest conductor for a number of symphonies throughout Europe. He went to Paris in 1947 and lived there until 1950. In 1951 he settled in New York City, and he became an American citizen in 1959. Shortly after his arrival in the United States, he began to receive commissions for ballet scores, and he became best known for his works for choreographer Martha Graham (Graham, Martha), including Embattled Garden (1958), Acrobats of God (1960), and The Owl and the Pussycat (1978). Among his other outstanding ballet pieces are Ritmo jondo (1953; extended version for Deep Rhythm, choreography by Doris Humphrey) and Agathe's Tale (1967; choreography by Paul Taylor). Characterized by rhythmic power and often based on the eight-tone flamenco scale, Surinach's compositions—those for the concert stage as well as those for ballet—were much in demand. In addition to composing ballet music, he wrote chamber music, choral music, music for guitar and for piano, and a number of works for orchestra.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Carlos Surinach — (Carles Suriñach) (Barcelona, Spain, March 4, 1915 New Haven, Connecticut, United States, November 12, 1997), pronounced IPA| [suɾi ŋak] , was a Catalan Spanish born composer and conductor.He was born in Barcelona, where he held conducting posts… …   Wikipedia

  • List of composers for the classical guitar (chronological) — This is a list of composers for the classical guitar in chronological order. For a list in alphabetical order see List of composers for the classical guitar and For a list by nationality see List of composers for the classical guitar… …   Wikipedia

  • List of composers for the classical guitar (nationality) — This is a list of composers for the classical guitar by nationality. For a list in alphabetical order see List of composers for the classical guitar and For a list in chronological order see List of composers for the classical guitar… …   Wikipedia

  • Liste von Harfenkonzerten — In Barock und Klassik wurden nur wenige Werke für Harfe und Orchester komponiert, was vor allem dran lag, dass die Instrumente dieser Zeit noch viele technische Schwächen hatten. Erst seit der Erfindung der Doppelpedalmechanik durch Sébastien… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Martha Graham — This article is about the choreographer. For the supercentenarian, see Martha Graham (supercentenarian). Martha Graham Martha Graham by Yousuf Karsh (1948) Born May 11, 1894( …   Wikipedia

  • Martha Graham — Pour les articles homonymes, voir Graham. Martha Graham Mar …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Daniel Blanch — Saltar a navegación, búsqueda Daniel Blanch nació en Barcelona el 30 de octubre de 1974, es un pianista español. Contenido 1 Biografía 2 Discografía 3 Críticas …   Wikipedia Español

  • BMI Foundation — The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a non profit organization founded in 1985 by executives of Broadcast Music Incorporated for the purpose of encouraging the creation, performance and study of music through awards, scholarships, internships, grants, and …   Wikipedia

  • Thomas Sleeper — Thomas M. Sleeper is a modern American composer and conductor. His music has been described as hauntingly mysterious and richly lyrical [ [http://www.crotchet.co.uk/8570465.html 8570465 Thomas Sleeper Craig Morris, Frost Wind Ensemble at the… …   Wikipedia

  • List of composers by name — This is a list of composers by name, alphabetically. For lists of music composers by other classifications, see List of composers. NOTOC A*Els Aarne (1917 1995) *Evald Aav (1900 1939) *Juhan Aavik (1884 1982) *Petrus Abaelardus (1079 1142) *Frank …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”