José Iturbi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Iturbi
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Photo by Carl Van Vechten, 1933
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | José Iturbi Báguena |
| Born | 28 November 1895 Valencia, Spain |
| Died | 28 June 1980 (aged 84) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Classical |
| Occupation(s) | Conductor, pianist |
| Instruments | Piano |
| Associated acts | Rochester Philharmonic |
José Iturbi Báguena (born November 28, 1895 – died June 28, 1980) was a very talented Spanish conductor, pianist, and harpsichordist. He became famous for his amazing musical skills. He also appeared in several Hollywood movies in the 1940s, often playing himself. Some of these popular films include Thousands Cheer (1943) and Anchors Aweigh (1945).
Contents
Biography
José Iturbi was born in Valencia, Spain. From a very young age, he showed a special gift for classical music. He began his music studies there. Later, he moved to Paris to continue learning at the Paris Conservatory. He received a scholarship to help him study. During this time, he also learned about playing the harpsichord from the famous musician Wanda Landowska.
Iturbi started touring the world around 1912, giving many successful concerts. He first performed in the United States in New York City in 1929. For many years, between 1911 and 1937, he often played alongside the Spanish violinist Manuel Quiroga on his international tours.
José Iturbi made his first appearance as a conductor in Mexico City in 1933. In 1936, he became the conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in Rochester, New York. He held this position until 1944. He also led the Valencia Symphony Orchestra for many years.
He often performed concerts with his sister, Amparo, who was also a very skilled pianist. Iturbi was also known for playing the harpsichord. He even made short educational films about this instrument.
Iturbi became an actor and performer in several musical films during the 1940s. His first film was Thousands Cheer in 1943 for MGM. In this movie, he played the piano alongside Judy Garland. He also appeared in Three Daring Daughters in 1948, again playing himself, and starring with Jeanette MacDonald. He was also featured in MGM's Anchors Aweigh, which starred Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Kathryn Grayson. In the movie about the composer Frédéric Chopin, A Song to Remember, Iturbi's piano playing was used in the soundtrack.
Personal life
José Iturbi married María Giner de los Santos in 1916. Sadly, she passed away in 1928. They had one daughter named María. María later married Stephan Hero, who was a concert violinist. José Iturbi's longtime companion was Marion Seabury, who was his secretary. After his death, she created the José Iturbi Foundation to honor his memory.
Death
José Iturbi continued to perform publicly even into his 80s. His doctors advised him to take a break in March 1980. He passed away on June 28, 1980, at the age of 84. He died five days after being admitted to Cedars-Sinai Hospital due to heart problems.
Legacy
José Iturbi's musical legacy lives on through two important music competitions named after him:
- The Valencia International Piano Competition Prize Iturbi started in 1981. It is often called the José Iturbi International Piano Competition.
- The José Iturbi International Music Competition began in 2007. It gives awards to talented pianists and opera singers.
The Philharmonic Concert Hall in Valencia, Spain, is also named after José Iturbi, honoring his contributions to music.
See also
In Spanish: José Iturbi para niños
