José Padilla (composer) facts for kids

José Padilla Sánchez (born May 28, 1889, in Almería – died October 25, 1960, in Madrid) was a very famous Spanish composer and pianist. People often called him Maestro Padilla. He was known for his popular songs like La Violetera and El Relicario. These songs were made famous by a singer named Raquel Meller. He also wrote the well-known pasodoble (a type of Spanish dance music) called Valencia.

José Padilla became famous in France too. He wrote music for the famous Moulin Rouge theater, including the song Ça c'est Paris. His song La Violetera was even used by Charlie Chaplin in his movie City Lights (1931).

Life of Maestro Padilla

A special plaque at 10, rue Pergolèse in Paris, remembering José Padilla.

José Padilla Sánchez was born in Almería, Spain, in 1889. He started learning music from the director of Almería's Municipal Band. When he was just fourteen, he wrote his first piece of music called Las dos palomas.

Later, he moved to Madrid and studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music and Declamation. There, he met important composers of Zarzuela (a Spanish musical play). These included Tomás Bretón, Gerónimo Giménez, and Amadeo Vives.

When he was 23, he moved to Barcelona. From there, he traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina. In Buenos Aires, he worked as a director for the Úrsula López Band. After some time, he returned to Barcelona. It was there that he wrote two of his most famous songs: El Relicario and La violetera.

Next, José Padilla moved to Paris, France. His music was played in famous music halls like the Folies Bergere and Moulin Rouge. His song Ça c'est Paris, sung by the famous performer Mistinguett, became very popular. In 1928, he signed a big contract to travel to Argentina again. While there, he worked with the legendary singer Carlos Gardel.

In 1949, at the age of 60, he returned to Madrid. He lived in a house that later became a museum dedicated to him after he passed away in 1960.

Music in Movies

José Padilla's music was used in several movies. Here are some of them:

• Valencia (1927)
• Imperial Violets (1932)
• The Angel with the Trumpet (1948)
• In the Arms of the Sea (1951)
• The Lovers of Midnight (1953)

His Legacy

The Maestro Padilla Auditorium in Almería, named after the famous composer.

José Padilla left a lasting mark on music. There is a special plaque on his former home in Paris to remember him. In 1992, the Maestro Padilla Auditorium was built in his hometown of Almería. This is a large hall used for concerts and events. There is also a garden named Jardín Maestro Padilla in the Arganzuela area of Madrid.

See also

In Spanish: José Padilla Sánchez para niños

Images for kids

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  Commemorative plaque 10, rue Pergolèse in Paris

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  Maestro Padilla Auditorium in Almería