“Rue Granados in Saint-Denis. Ever heard of it?” I ask. It might not be as famous as the Champs-Élysées. However, it holds a story worth telling.
This street carries the name of Enrique Granados. He was no ordinary man. Granados was a Spanish composer and pianist. He led the movement toward nationalism in Spanish music during the late 19th century.
Born in Spain in 1867, Granados showed musical talent early. By 16, he debuted as a pianist. Later, he studied composition with Felipe Pedrell. Pedrell was the father of Spanish nationalism in music. Granados also honed his piano skills in Paris.
Returning to Barcelona in 1889, he quickly became a leading pianist. His “12 Danzas españolas” became very popular. In 1898, his first opera, “María del Carmen,” was produced. Granados founded a classical-concerts society in 1900. He also started his piano school. This school produced many distinguished players.
Granados had a strong interest in the 18th century. This interest is clear in his tonadillas. These were songs written in an old style. He wrote a lot for the piano. His style was Romantic. His masterpieces were the “Goyescas” from 1911 to 1913. They reflected Francisco de Goya’s paintings.
The “Goyescas” were adapted into an opera. It premiered in New York City in 1916. Tragedy struck on his return home. Granados drowned when his ship, the Sussex, was torpedoed by a German submarine.
Granados’ impact extended beyond his compositions. He deeply influenced Barcelona’s musical culture. He was involved in movements that laid solid foundations for it.
His death was a tragic loss during World War I. He and his wife, Amparo Gal, died together. The news of his death brought great admiration. A fund was set up for his six children. People from all backgrounds donated.
Granados’ legacy lives on. His piano school is still running today. It attracts students from all over the world. It is known for the pedal method. Granados developed this method based on his studies in Paris.
Granados was more renowned for his piano pieces. He left over three hundred works. These included dances, waltzes, and vocal pieces. His aesthetic style was Neo-Romanticism. It was inspired by composers like Schumann and Grieg.
The opera “Goyescas” took him to the United States. He premiered the opera and made recordings. He also gave a piano concert at the White House. This was at the request of President Woodrow Wilson.
Today, the Auditori de Lleida is named Auditori Granados. A hall at the Auditori de Palma also bears his name. In Barcelona, a street is named after him. This shows his lasting impact on music and culture.
So, as you walk along Rue Granados, remember the man. He dedicated his life to music. His legacy continues to inspire. It connects Saint-Denis to a rich musical heritage. It is a heritage filled with passion and tragedy.