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Manuel Blancafort ( www.manuelblancafort.cat) was a Catalan composer whose music blended French Impressionism, Spanish folk influences, and refined lyricism. Born in La Garriga on August 12, 1897, he studied music with his father and Joan Lamote de Grignon, though his true musical education took place in his family’s "Victòria" piano roll factory, where he was exposed to a vast repertoire that shaped his artistic vision.
Blancafort was part of a group of Catalan composers who sought to move beyond Wagnerian and nationalist traditions, embracing a new musical language. His early works—piano pieces, songs, and choral works—show a fresh, intimate style, close to his friend Frederic Mompou. Influenced by Satie, Debussy, and Les Six, both composers pursued maximum expressiveness with minimal means. His piano suite El Parc d’Atraccions, premiered by Ricard Viñes in Paris (1924), was a success in European concert halls.
Over time, Blancafort turned to larger orchestral forms, composing string quartets, a symphony, piano concertos, and the cantata Virgo Maria. He was awarded the National Music Prize (1949), "Ciutat de Barcelona" Award (1950, 1966), and "Orfeó Català" Prize (1965). He also received the Creu de Sant Jordi (1982) and the Gold Medal of the City of Barcelona (1986).
Blancafort passed away in Barcelona on January 8, 1987. His music, marked by delicate harmonies and evocative atmospheres, remains a hidden gem, bridging impressionistic subtlety with Catalan identity.
Blancafort was part of a group of Catalan composers who sought to move beyond Wagnerian and nationalist traditions, embracing a new musical language. His early works—piano pieces, songs, and choral works—show a fresh, intimate style, close to his friend Frederic Mompou. Influenced by Satie, Debussy, and Les Six, both composers pursued maximum expressiveness with minimal means. His piano suite El Parc d’Atraccions, premiered by Ricard Viñes in Paris (1924), was a success in European concert halls.
Over time, Blancafort turned to larger orchestral forms, composing string quartets, a symphony, piano concertos, and the cantata Virgo Maria. He was awarded the National Music Prize (1949), "Ciutat de Barcelona" Award (1950, 1966), and "Orfeó Català" Prize (1965). He also received the Creu de Sant Jordi (1982) and the Gold Medal of the City of Barcelona (1986).
Blancafort passed away in Barcelona on January 8, 1987. His music, marked by delicate harmonies and evocative atmospheres, remains a hidden gem, bridging impressionistic subtlety with Catalan identity.
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