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55-481: Isaac Manuel Francisco Albéniz y Pascual ( Spanish pronunciation: [iˈsak alˈβeniθ] ; 29 May 1860 – 18 May 1909) was a Spanish virtuoso pianist , composer , and conductor . He is one of the foremost composers of the Post-romantic era who also had a significant influence on his contemporaries and younger composers. He is best known for his piano works based on Spanish folk music idioms. Isaac Albéniz

110-547: A United Nations laissez-passer . The regular use of permanent diplomatic representation began in the states of 15th-century Italy. However the terms "diplomacy" and "diplomat" appeared during the French Revolution . "Diplomat" is derived from the Greek διπλωμάτης ( diplōmátēs ), the holder of a diploma , referring to diplomats' documents of accreditation from their sovereign. Diplomats themselves and historians often refer to

165-606: A connoisseur or collector . The plural forms of virtuoso is either virtuosi or the Anglicisation virtuosos , and the feminine forms are virtuosa and virtuose . According to Music in the Western civilization by Piero Weiss and Richard Taruskin : ..."A virtuoso was, originally, a highly accomplished musician, but by the nineteenth century the term had become restricted to performers, both vocal and instrumental, whose technical accomplishments were so pronounced as to dazzle

220-441: A 21st-century virtuosi is primarily a performing musician. As virtuosic playing has gained popularity over the centuries, more exciting music has ingrained itself into the culture in unique ways. Many music pedagogues emphasize technique in private teaching as a way to approach modern, virtuosic repertoire. Additionally, much of classical music that becomes popular among non-musicians tends to lean into difficult, flashy styles. In

275-410: A foreign country or accredited to an international organization, both career diplomats and political appointees enjoy the same diplomatic immunities, as well as United Nations officials. Ceremonial heads of state commonly act as diplomats on behalf of their nation, usually following instructions from their head of Government. Sasson Sofer argues that, "The ideal diplomat, by the nature of his mission,

330-482: A musician was considered a virtuoso by being an accomplished composer , theorist , or maestro , rather than a skilled performer. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the word shifted in meaning, and many musicians applied it without considering merit, sometimes to themselves. Sébastien de Brossard , in his Dictionnaire de Musique ( Paris , 1703), approached the word virtuoso by its Latin root virtu emphasizing exceptional training, especially in theory. This position

385-445: A never-ending global cocktail party". J. W. Burton has noted that "despite the absence of any specific professional training, diplomacy has a high professional status, due perhaps to a degree of secrecy and mystery that its practitioners self-consciously promote." The state supports the high status, privileges, and self-esteem of its diplomats in order to support its own international status and position. The high regard for diplomats

440-672: A regular occurrence. Diplomat A diplomat (from Ancient Greek : δίπλωμα ; romanized diploma ) is a person appointed by a state , intergovernmental , or nongovernmental institution to conduct diplomacy with one or more other states or international organizations . The main functions of diplomats are representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending state; initiation and facilitation of strategic agreements, treaties and conventions; and promotion of information, trade and commerce, technology, and friendly relations. Seasoned diplomats of international repute are used in international organizations (for example,

495-675: A royal grant. Count Morphy thought highly of Albéniz, who would later dedicate Sevilla to Morphy's wife when it premiered in Paris in January 1886. In 1880, Albéniz went to Budapest , Hungary, to study with Franz Liszt , only to find out that Liszt was in Weimar , Germany. In 1883, he met the teacher and composer Felip Pedrell , who inspired him to write Spanish music such as the Chants d'Espagne . The first movement (Prelude) of that suite, later retitled after

550-456: A stylization of Spanish traditional idioms that while thoroughly artistic, gives a captivating impression of spontaneous improvisation... Córdoba is the piece that best represents the style of Albéniz in this period, with its hauntingly beautiful melody, set against the acrid dissonances of the plucked accompaniment imitating the notes of the Moorish guslas . Here is the heady scent of jasmines amid

605-469: A substantial quantity of music in a relatively short period. By 1886 he had written over 50 piano pieces. Albéniz biographer Walter A. Clark says that pieces from this period received enthusiastic reception in the composer's many concerts. Chase describes music from this period, Taking the guitar as his instrumental model, and drawing his inspiration largely from the peculiar traits of Andalusian folk music—but without using actual folk themes—Albéniz achieves

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660-961: A suite of twelve piano "impressions". Albéniz died from his kidney disease on 18 May 1909 at age 48 in Cambo-les-Bains , in Labourd , south-western France. Only a few weeks before his death, the French Government bestowed upon Albéniz the Legion of Honour , its highest honour. He is buried at the Montjuïc Cemetery , Barcelona . Albéniz's early works were mostly " salon style " music. His first published composition, Marcha Militar , appeared in 1868. A number of works written before this are now lost. He continued composing in traditional styles ranging from Jean-Philippe Rameau , Johann Sebastian Bach , Ludwig van Beethoven , Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt until

715-476: Is Cécilia Attias , former wife of Nicolas Sarkozy . The apex of Albéniz's concert career is considered to be 1889 to 1892 when he had concert tours throughout Europe. During the 1890s Albéniz lived in London and Paris. For London he wrote some musical comedies which brought him to the attention of the wealthy Francis Money-Coutts, 5th Baron Latymer . Money-Coutts commissioned and provided him with librettos for

770-463: Is a danger that diplomats may become disconnected from their own country and culture. Sir Harold Nicolson acknowledged that diplomats can become "denationalised, internationalised and therefore dehydrated, an elegant empty husk". Nicolson also claimed that personal motives often influenced the diplomatic pursuit of the national interest. For example, he wrote: "Nobody who has not actually watched statesmen dealing with each other can have any real idea of

825-406: Is also due to most countries' conspicuous selection of diplomats, with regard to their professionalism and ability to behave according to a certain etiquette , in order to effectively promote their interests. Also, international law grants diplomats extensive privileges and immunities , which further distinguishes the diplomat from the status of an ordinary citizen . While posted overseas, there

880-507: Is destined to clash with the expedient needs of his country's politics." On the other hand, professional politicians often ridicule diplomats. President John F. Kennedy often denigrated career diplomats as "weak and effeminate" and moved foreign policy decisions out of their hands. Every diplomat, while posted abroad, will be classified in one of the ranks of diplomats (secretary, counselor, minister, ambassador , envoy , or chargé d'affaires ) as regulated by international law (namely, by

935-574: Is not entirely false, Albéniz did travel the world as a performer; however, he was accompanied by his father, who as a customs agent was required to travel frequently. This can be attested by comparing Isaac's concert dates with his father's travel itinerary. In 1876, after a short stay at the Leipzig Conservatory , he went to study at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels after King Alfonso's personal secretary, Guillermo Morphy , obtained him

990-629: Is the most serious and moving variety of flamenco or Spanish gypsy song, often dealing with themes of death, anguish, or religion. 3. The use of exotic scales also associated with flamenco music. The Phrygian mode is the most prominent in Albéniz's music, although he also used the Aeolian and Mixolydian modes as well as the whole-tone scale . 4. The transfer of guitar idioms into piano writing. Following his marriage, Albéniz settled in Madrid , Spain, and produced

1045-561: The Suite española , Op. 47, noted for its delicate, intricate melody and abrupt dynamic changes. In addition to the Spanish spirit infused in Albéniz's music, he incorporated other qualities as well. In her biography of Albéniz, Pola Baytelman discerns four characteristics of the music from the middle period as follows: 1. The dance rhythms of Spain, of which there are a wide variety. 2. The use of cante jondo , which means deep or profound singing. It

1100-483: The United Nations , the world's largest diplomatic forum) as well as multinational companies for their experience in management and negotiating skills. Diplomats are members of foreign services and diplomatic corps of various nations of the world. The sending state is required to get the consent of the receiving state for a person proposed to serve in key diplomatic positions such as an ambassador, also referred to as

1155-492: The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961). Diplomats can be contrasted with consuls who help businesspeople, and military attachés . They represent not the foreign ministry but other branches of their government, but lack the diplomat's role in dealing with foreign policy at the highest level. Diplomats in posts collect and report information that could affect national interests, often with advice about how

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1210-445: The "triviality and exhibitionist talents of the performer" voicing his opinion strongly: "The real dignity of the virtuoso rests solely on the dignity he is able to preserve for creative art; if he or she trifles and toys with this, he casts his honour away. He or she is the intermediary of the artistic idea. " In the nineteenth century, the public beliefs and attitudes surrounding virtuosity in music greatly varied. Many believed that it

1265-606: The "true virtuoso", once again emphasizing theory (" der wahre Virtuose "), while describing the "highly gifted musician" (" der glückselige Musicus ") or "performer virtuoso" as having nothing more than practical facility. The concept of virtuosity today is typically associated with flashy, technical performance rather than accomplishments as a composer, theorist, etc. Modern virtuosi are known for fast, exciting works and often for using their talents in spaces like international competitions. While historical virtuosi like Niccolò Paganini and Franz Liszt were performers as well as composers,

1320-581: The Netflix TV show Godless , composed by Carlos Rafael Rivera . In 1997 the Fundación Isaac Albéniz was founded to promote Spanish music and musicians and to act as a research centre for Albéniz and Spanish music in general. On 29 May 2010, Google celebrated Isaac Albéniz's 150th Birthday with a doodle. References Sources Virtuoso This word also refers to a person who has cultivated appreciation of artistic excellence, either as

1375-628: The State's national government to conduct said state's relations with other States or international organizations, a number of States maintain an institutionalized group of career diplomats—that is, public servants with a steady professional connection to the country's foreign ministry . The term career diplomat is used worldwide in opposition to political appointees (that is, people from any other professional backgrounds who may equally be designated by an official government to act as diplomats abroad). While officially posted to an embassy or delegation in

1430-585: The age of nine when his father toured both Isaac and his sister, Clementina, throughout northern Spain. A popular myth is that at the age of twelve Albéniz stowed away in a ship bound for Buenos Aires . He then found himself in Cuba , then in the United States, giving concerts in New York and San Francisco and then travelled to Liverpool , London and Leipzig . By age 15, he had already given concerts worldwide. This story

1485-399: The beginning and the end of each loop in the continuous process through which foreign policy develops. In general, it has become harder for diplomats to act autonomously. Diplomats use secure communication systems, such as emails, and mobile telephones that allow reaching even the most reclusive head of mission. This technology also gives diplomats the capacity for more immediate input about

1540-476: The carvings in the Alhambra , those peculiar arabesques that say nothing with their turns and shapes, but which are like the air, like the sun, like the blackbirds or like the nightingales of its gardens. They are more valuable than all else of Moorish Spain, which though we may not like it, is the true Spain. During the late 1880s, the strong influence of Spanish style is evident in Albéniz's music. In 1883 Albéniz met

1595-454: The composer's death as Asturias (Leyenda) , is now part of the classical guitar repertoire, even though it was originally composed for piano. Many of Albéniz's other compositions were also transcribed for guitar by Francisco Tárrega . At the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition , the piano manufacturer Érard sponsored a series of 20 concerts featuring Albéniz's music. Also in 1883, the composer married Rosina Jordana Lagarriga, daughter of

1650-577: The compositional ideas he was exploring in the "middle period" of his life. The suite shows what Albéniz biographer Walter Aaron Clark describes as the "first flowering of his unique creative genius", and the beginnings of compositional exploration that became the hallmark of his later works. This period also includes his operatic works— Merlin , Henry Clifford , and Pepita Jiménez . His orchestral works of this period include Spanish Rhapsody (1887) and Catalonia (1899), dedicated to Ramon Casas , who had painted his full-length portrait in 1894. As one of

1705-630: The context of the fine arts , the term can also refer to a "master" or "ace" who excels technically within any particular field or area of human knowledge—anyone especially or dazzlingly skilled at what they do. The meaning of virtuoso has its roots in the Italian usage of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, signifying an honorific term reserved for a person distinguished in any intellectual or artistic field. The term evolved with time, simultaneously broadening and narrowing in scope as interpretations went in and out of fashion and debates unraveled. Originally

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1760-411: The diplomats overseas to make. In this operation, the intelligence, integrity, cultural understanding, and energy of individual diplomats become critical. If competent, they will have developed relationships grounded in trust and mutual understanding with influential members of the country in which they are accredited. They will have worked hard to understand the motives, thought patterns and culture of

1815-451: The eight-movements in Suite española . Selections from Iberia have rarely been attempted on solo guitar but have been very effectively performed by guitar ensembles, such as the performance by John Williams and Julian Bream of Iberia's opening "Evocation". The Doors incorporated "Asturias" into their song "Spanish Caravan"; also, Iron Maiden 's " To Tame a Land " uses the introduction of

1870-727: The foreign ministry by its address: the Ballhausplatz (Vienna), the Quai d’Orsay (Paris), the Wilhelmstraße (Berlin); Itamaraty (from the former Itamaraty Palace in Rio de Janeiro, now transferred to Brasília since 1970) and Foggy Bottom (Washington). For imperial Russia to 1917 it was the Choristers' Bridge (St Petersburg). The Italian ministry was called "the Consulta". Though any person can be appointed by

1925-470: The former mayor of the Gràcia district and a former student of Isaac. They had two children who lived into adulthood: Alfonso (1885–1941), who played for FC Barcelona in the early 1900s before embarking on a career as a diplomat , and Laura (1890–1944), who went on to become a renowned illustrator in the arts of drawing and painting . Another child, Enriqueta, died in infancy in 1886. His great-granddaughter

1980-403: The head of the mission. The receiving state of the proposed diplomat may accept the diplomat or refuse to accept the diplomat without having to provide reasons for its refusal or acceptance of the person. While the head of the mission or any member of the diplomatic staff is already on duty in the receiving state, the receiving state may still decide at anytime that the person is no longer wanted in

2035-472: The home-country government should respond. Then, once any policy response has been decided in the home country's capital, posts bear major responsibility for implementing it. Diplomats have the job of conveying, in the most persuasive way possible, the views of the home government to the governments to which they are accredited and, in doing so, of trying to convince those governments to act in ways that suit home-country interests. In this way, diplomats are part of

2090-615: The immense part played in human affairs by such unavowable and often unrecognisable causes as lassitude, affability, personal affection or dislike, misunderstanding, deafness or incomplete command of a foreign language, vanity, social engagements, interruptions and momentary health." To prevent disconnection and apathy from their own state, many foreign services mandate their employees to return to their home countries in between period serving abroad. Diplomats have started celebrating International Day of Diplomats on October 24 since 2017. The idea of celebrating International Day of Diplomats on

2145-506: The late 18th century, people began to use the term to describe an instrumentalist or vocalist who pursued a career as a soloist. The tension about the merit of practical virtuosity started to grow at the same time and intensified in the 19th century, only to remain an open debate since then. Franz Liszt , considered one of the greatest of all virtuosos, declared that "virtuosity is not an outgrowth, but an indispensable element of music" ( Gesammelte Schriften , iv, 1855–9). Richard Wagner opposed

2200-491: The leading composers of his era, Albéniz's influences on both contemporary composers and on the future of Spanish music are profound. As a result of his extended stay in France and the friendship he formed with numerous composers there, his composition technique and harmonic language influenced aspiring younger composers such as Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel . His activities as conductor, performer and composer significantly raised

2255-416: The mid-1880s. He also wrote at least five zarzuelas , of which all but two are now lost. Perhaps the best source on the works is Albéniz himself. He is quoted as commenting on his earlier period works as: There are among them a few things that are not completely worthless. The music is a bit infantile, plain, spirited; but in the end, the people, our Spanish people, are something of all that. I believe that

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2310-518: The opera Henry Clifford and for a projected trilogy of Arthurian operas. The first of these, Merlin (1898–1902), was thought to have been lost but has recently been reconstructed and performed. Albéniz never completed Lancelot (only the first act is finished, as a vocal and piano score), and he never began Guinevere , the final part. In 1900, he started to suffer from Bright's disease and returned to writing piano music. Between 1905 and 1908 he composed his final masterpiece, Iberia (1908),

2365-460: The other side. Most career diplomats have university degrees in international relations , political science , history , economics , or law . " Emotional intelligence " has recently become a component of many foreign service training programs. Diplomats have generally been considered members of an exclusive and prestigious profession. The public image of diplomats has been described as "a caricature of pinstriped men gliding their way around

2420-508: The people are right when they continue to be moved by Córdoba, Mallorca , by the copla of the Sevillanas , by the Serenata , and Granada . In all of them I now note that there is less musical science, less of the grand idea, but more colour, sunlight, flavour of olives. That music of youth, with its little sins and absurdities that almost point out the sentimental affectation ... appears to me like

2475-523: The piece for the song bridge. More recently, a guitar version of Granada functions as something of a love theme in Woody Allen 's 2008 film Vicky Cristina Barcelona . A film about his life, Albéniz , was made in 1947. It was produced in Argentina. The theme from Asturias was incorporated or adapted in several soundtracks including the 2008 horror film Mirrors , composed by Javier Navarrete , and

2530-539: The policy-making processes in the home capital. Secure email has transformed the contact between diplomats and the ministry. It is less likely to leak, and enables more personal contact than the formal cablegram , with its wide distribution and impersonal style. The home country will usually send instructions to a diplomatic post on what foreign policy goals to pursue, but decisions on tactics – who needs to be influenced, what will best persuade them, who are potential allies and adversaries, and how it can be done – are for

2585-560: The profile of Spanish music abroad and encouraged Spanish music and musicians in his own country. Albéniz's works have become an important part of the repertoire of the classical guitar, many of which have been transcribed by Francisco Tárrega , Miguel Llobet and others. Asturias (Leyenda) in particular is heard most often on the guitar, as are Granada , Sevilla , Cadiz , Cataluña , Córdoba , Mallorca , and Tango in D . Gordon Crosskey and Cuban-born guitarist Manuel Barrueco have both made solo guitar arrangements of all

2640-466: The public." The defining element of virtuosity is the performance ability of the musician in question, who is capable of displaying feats of skill well above the average performer. Especially in music, both critics and musicians have mixed opinions on virtuosity. While the skill implied is clearly positive, musicians focused on virtuosity have been criticized for overlooking substance and emotion in favor of raw technical prowess. More commonly applied in

2695-402: The state and is considered persona non grata . When this happens, the sending state may discharge the person. Diplomats are the oldest form of any of the foreign policy institutions of a state, predating by centuries foreign ministers and ministerial offices. They usually have diplomatic immunity , and in their official travels they usually use a diplomatic passport or, for UN officials,

2750-401: The swaying palm trees, the dream fantasy of an Andalusian " Arabian Nights " in which Albéniz loved to let his imagination dwell. While Albéniz's crowning achievement, Iberia , was written in the last years of his life in France, many of its preceding works are well-known and of great interest. The five pieces in Chants d'Espagne ( Songs of Spain , published in 1892) are a solid example of

2805-415: The teacher and composer Felipe Pedrell. Pedrell was a leading figure in the development of nationalist Spanish music. In his book The Music of Spain , Gilbert Chase describes Pedrell's influence on Albéniz: "What Albéniz derived from Pedrell was above all a spiritual orientation, the realization of the wonderful values inherent in Spanish music." Felipe Pedrell inspired Albéniz to write Spanish music such as

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2860-455: Was a child prodigy who first performed at the age of four. At age seven, after apparently taking lessons from Antoine François Marmontel , he passed the entrance examination for piano at the Conservatoire de Paris , but he was refused admission because he was believed to be too young. By the time he had reached 12, he had made many attempts to run away from home. His concert career began at

2915-506: Was also defended in Johann Gottfried Walther 's Musicalisches Lexicon (1732) favoring the theorist over the performer. Johann Mattheson 's Der brauchbare Virtuoso (1720) maintained the respect for the traditional " theoretische Virtuosen " (theoretical virtuoso) but also paid tribute to the " virtuosi prattici " (performer virtuoso). Johann Kuhnau in his The Musical Charlatan ( Der musikalische Quack-Salber , 1700) defined

2970-650: Was close to the Generation of '98 . Transcriptions of many of his pieces, such as Asturias (Leyenda) , Granada , Sevilla , Cadiz , Córdoba , Cataluña , Mallorca , and Tango in D , are important pieces for classical guitar, though he never composed for the guitar. Some of Albéniz's personal papers are held in the Library of Catalonia . Born in Camprodon , province of Girona , to Ángel Albéniz (a customs official) and his wife, Maria de los Dolores Pascual, Albéniz

3025-411: Was essential for success, while others believed it was a detriment. The celebrity status obtained by such performers was often fueled by tabloid-like rumors, mythical comparisons, and manipulative marketing tactics. On one such occasion, a London theatre critic referred to a Paganini concert as his "fifth and final concert." Purposefully presenting misinformation to gain publicity for the performers became

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