Jesús Arámbarri facts for kids

Jesús Arámbarri Gárate (born April 13, 1902, in Bilbao – died July 11, 1960, in Madrid) was a talented Spanish conductor and composer. He came from the Basque Country in Spain.

Arámbarri is considered one of the most important cultural figures from his region. He is often mentioned alongside other famous musicians like Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga and Maurice Ravel. His work is part of a rich tradition of 20th-century classical music in Spain. This tradition includes well-known composers such as Manuel de Falla and Joaquín Rodrigo.

Becoming a Musician

Jesús Arámbarri started his music journey at the Bilbao Conservatory of Music. He learned a lot from his early teachers there. Later, he traveled to other countries to continue his studies. In Paris, he learned from famous musicians like Paul Le Flem and Paul Dukas. He also studied with Felix Weingartner in Basel, Switzerland.

Composing Music

Arámbarri showed great talent for composing even when he was a student. Some of his most important musical pieces were created during this time. After finishing his studies, he returned to Bilbao. From then on, he focused mostly on being a conductor. He composed only a few more works later in his life. These included In memoriam (1939), Ofrenda (Offering) (1946), and Dedicatoria (Dedication) (1949).

A Leading Conductor

In 1933, Jesús Arámbarri began conducting the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra. At first, this orchestra was only part-time. But Arámbarri worked hard to make it better. He helped it become the first full-time city orchestra in Spain.

He also organized many musical events across the country. He often conducted large choirs in Northern Spain. These choirs performed big musical pieces with many singers.

Arámbarri also taught music as a professor at the Madrid Royal Conservatory. He was a conductor for the Madrid Symphony Orchestra. He even became the president of the Spanish Conductors' Association. In 1953, he was chosen to conduct the Banda Sinfónica de Madrid. This band was very old, having been started in 1909.

His Final Performance

Jesús Arámbarri died in 1960 while doing what he loved most. He was conducting the Banda Sinfónica de Madrid in a concert. This happened in the Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid.

Selected recordings

• Jesus Arambarri 8 Basque songs Itxaro Mentxaka (soprano), Bilbao SO, Juan José Mena. Naxos

See also

In Spanish: Jesús Arámbarri para niños