Manuel M. Ponce was born in Fresnillo, Zacatecas Mexico in 1881. He was a prodigious musical talent having composed his first piece at age six. He was a true cosmopolitan, as his musical studies led him to live in Italy, Germany, France, and Cuba. He was only one person away from Franz Liszt as he studied with Martin Krause. He was a virtuoso concert pianist and composed many works for piano, including a piano concerto, although he is mostly known for his works for guitar which he composed and dedicated to his friend, Spanish concert guitarist Andres Segovia. He is considered the father of Mexican musical nationalism. He arranged the popular Mexican music of his time and the Revolution to the concert setting.
Alicia Torres Garza sings works by Ponce at iTunes:
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