Manuel de Falla

Manuel de Falla y Matheu was an eminent Spanish composer and pianist, considered one of Spain's most important musicians of the 20th century. Born in Cádiz, he studied piano and composition in Madrid, initially influenced by native Andalusian music. His journey took him to Paris, where he engaged with contemporaries like Ravel and Debussy. On returning to Spain, Falla's compositions, including 'La vida breve' and 'El retablo de maese Pedro', married traditional Spanish elements with a modernistic style. Exiled to Argentina during the Spanish Civil War, he continued composing until his death in Alta Gracia in 1946.