Arriaga composed his first piece at age 11 and his Op. 1, an Overture, in 1818, followed by an opera and other works by 1821.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Arriaga's musical language, established in his teens, featured a fine melodic gift and sophisticated technique of continuous transformation, especially on chromatic themes.
Composer Biography
In Paris, Arriaga studied counterpoint with François-Joseph Fétis and violin with Pierre Baillot at the Conservatoire, winning prizes in counterpoint and fugue.
Composition History
The three string quartets on this album were likely written before 1822 and published in 1824.
Composer Biography
Juan Arriaga, the composer, was born in Bilbao in 1806 and died in Paris in 1826, just shy of his 20th birthday.
Composer Biography
Arriaga's father, an organist and school teacher, encouraged his son's musical career and helped gather support from influential figures.
Cultural Impact
Arriaga earned the nickname 'the Spanish Mozart' from composer Emilio Arrieta, acknowledging his youthful genius and early death.
