Born:
June 13, 1899
Birthplace:
Popotla, Mexico City, Mexico
Died:
August 2, 1978 in Mexico City
Also Known As:
Carlos Antonio de Padua Chávez y Ramírez was a teacher, lecturer, author, composer, conductor and music director of the Orquesta Sinfónica Mexicana (1928, later changed to Orquesta Sinfónica de México). He was also appointed director of the Conservatorio Nacional and became director of the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes. Chavez was a charter member of El Colegio Nacional (1943). He is known for his use of traditional folk songs, indigenous themes and instruments combined with modern techniques.
Type of Compositions:
He wrote piano pieces, chamber music, orchestral works, vocal works, choral works, ballet, fanfare and opera.
Influence:
As a boy, Chavez received piano lessons from Manuel; his older brother. Other teachers include Asunción Parra, Manuel Ponce and most notably, Pedro Luis Ogazón. Chavez studied composition at Conservatorio Nacional. His musical influences include Igor Stravinsky and Arnold Schoenberg. Aside from being one of the most prominent composers in Mexico, Chavez also toured Europe and the U.S.A. to promote his works.
Musical Work:
His notable compositions include: "Sinfonía para orquesta" (completed when he was 16 years old), "El fuego nuevo" (a ballet), Los cuatro soles" (a ballet) Sextet for Strings and Piano," "Second Piano Sonata," "Sinfonía de Antígona," "Sinfonía india," "Chapultepec," "10 Preludes for Piano," "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," "Xochipilli: An Imagined Aztec Music" and "Concerto for Violin and Piano."
Interesting Facts:
More Information:
More information on this composer can be found at this Web site
Related Video:
Listen to "Sinfonía India" by Carlos Chavez courtesy of YouTube.