Pedrell, Felipe

Born Feb. 19, 1841, in Tortosa; died Aug. 19, 1922, in Barcelona. Spanish composer, musicologist, folk-lorist, music critic, and leading figure in the world of music. Member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Fine Arts (1895–1904).

Pedrell sang in a church choir, where he received an elementary musical education. Beginning in 1873 he pursued his career in Barcelona. From 1895 to 1903 he taught at the Madrid Conservatory, where his students included I. Albéniz, E. Granados, and M. de Falla, the founders of modern Spanish music. He published music journals, as well as classical and Spanish folk musical works.

Pedrell founded modern Spanish musicology with such works on musical folklore as Spanish Folk Songs (vols. 1–4, 1918–19; 2nd ed., vols. 1–2, 1936) and with works on modern Spanish music. A leading figure in the Spanish musical renaissance, the Renacimiento, he headed the modern school of Spanish composition, in whose formation he had played a decisive role.

Pedrell wrote a number of operas, including The Pyrenees, a patriotic trilogy with a prologue (1890–91; first part presented in Madrid, 1902). He also composed thematic symphonic works, cantatas for orchestra, works for chorus and orchestra, church music, and songs notable for their vivid national coloration.