Manuel López-Quiroga Miquel, a name perhaps unfamiliar. However, his music is etched into Spain’s soul. This Monumento al Maestro Quiroga Bust honors him. It stands here in Parque del Oeste. The monument commemorates the centenary of his birth.
The Sociedad General de Autores y Editores SGAE paid tribute to Quiroga. They erected this monument in 1999. It was unveiled on April 24, 2003. Maestro Quiroga was born in Seville on January 30, 1899. He dedicated his life to music. He wrote over five thousand musical pieces. These ranged from cuplé to copla.
Think of songs like “Tatuaje,” “Rocío,” and “La Parrala”. Consider “María de la O,” “Ojos Verdes,” or “La Zarzamora”. These are all Quiroga’s creations. He collaborated with brilliant lyricists. Salvador Valverde and Antonio Quintero were among them. Also Rafael de León contributed to his work. Together, they crafted a golden age of Spanish music. Their music became immortal. Quiroga passed away in 1988.
Observe the Monumento al Maestro Quiroga Bust before you. It features a bronze bust atop a pedestal. The pedestal is made of pink granite. Look closely at the base. A bronze figure of a woman sits there. She represents musical inspiration. She is dressed in a dance costume. Her hands rest on the stone. The monument’s inscription reads: “AL MAESTRO QUIROGA / LA SOCIEDAD GENERAL / DE AUTORES Y EDITORES / EN SU CENTENARIO / MADRID, 1999.”
Juan Haro sculpted the bust. Santiago Fajardo collaborated with Haro on the seated figure. Their signatures are etched into the bronze.
Eduardo Bautista inaugurated the monument. He was the president of the SGAE. Quiroga’s widow, Fuensanta Clavero, and his son Manuel attended. The Banda Municipal de Música de Madrid performed. They played many of Quiroga’s compositions. Martín de la Plaza, Quiroga’s biographer, was also present. Additionally, writer Carlos Toro attended the ceremony.
The Monumento al Maestro Quiroga Bust serves as a reminder. It honors a prolific composer. His work remains popular in Spain. Quiroga’s legacy lives on. His songs continue to resonate.