Pablo de Sarasate (1844–1908,) in full Martín Melitón Pablo de Sarasate y Navascués, was a celebrated Spanish violin virtuoso and composer of the Romantic period. Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs) is one of his most popular compositions and a favorite among violin virtuosos.
Born in Pamplona, Sarasate studied with distinction at the Paris Conservatoire, and in 1857 began to give concert tours that made him famous throughout the world. He was perhaps best at playing the Spanish dance music he composed himself. Various works were specially written for him, including French composer Édouard Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, German composer Max Bruch’s second violin concerto and his Scottish fantasy, and several French composers, including Camille Saint-Saëns.
Sarasate composed virtuoso violin music, famously his Zigeunerweisen (1878; Gypsy Airs,) a fantasy in gypsy style for violin and orchestra.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Pablo de Sarasate
A genius! For 37 years I’ve practised fourteen hours a day, and now they call me a genius.
—Pablo de Sarasate
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