Enrique Granados
July 27, 1867 - March 24, 1916born in Lèrida, Spain, composed during the Romantic period
Biography
One of the most colorful turn-of-the-century Spanish musicians, composer and pianist Enrique Granados is best remembered for his evocative solo piano works; his output also includes a great deal of orchestral music and six operas (only the last of which has gained any fame). Born in 1867 to an officer in the Spanish army, Granados received his first musical instruction from an army bandmaster. Further studies in Barcelona with Jurnet (piano) and Pedrell (composition) prepared the young musician for a brief but highly influential stay in Paris (1887-1889), during which Granados worked under well-known Parisian pianist and teacher Charles de Bériot (son of the famous violinist of the same name). Granados' earliest mature work, the Valses poéticos of 1887, was completed around this time.
After returning to Barcelona in 1890 Granados spent the next decade building a dual career as pianist and composer, forming a successful piano trio with Belgian violinist Crickboom and the young Pablo Casals. His first opera, Maria del Carmen, was well received at its premiere in 1898, after which the Order of Carlos III (a Spanish knighthood) was bestowed upon Granados by a supportive government. Granados was quick to follow up on this success, and two more operas were produced in the next five years.
Selected Discography

Granados: 12 Danzas españolas (12 Spanish Dances)

Granados: Complete Piano Works [Box Set]

Granados: Goyescas (Suite for Piano)

Granados: Goyescas No1-6; Valses poéticos H147

Granados: Piano Music Vol. 4

Granados: Piano Music Vol. 7 - Sentimental Waltzes; Love Letters; The Gondola; 6 Expressive Studies

Granados: Piano Music Vol. 8 - Album of Melodies; Cardboard Soldiers; The Mermaid

Granados: Piano Music, Vol. 3

Granados: Piano Works Vol. 6 - The Enchanted Palace in the Sea; Elisenda's Garden; Three Impromptus

Granados: Scarlatti Sonata Transcriptions

