Chávez, Carlos Antonio de Padua (1899-1978)

Mexican composer and pianist. His music incorporates national and pre-Columbian folk elements, for example Chapultepec: Republican Overture (1935). He composed a number of ballets, seven symphonies, and concertos for both violin and piano.

He was taught music as a child by his brother and two casual teachers, but later went to Europe and New York to gain experience. He was founder-director of the Mexico Symphony Orchestra 1928-48 (he later became its conductor), and director of the National Conservatory 1928-34. He held a post in the Department of Fine Arts, and was a leading figure in the cultural life of his country, doing much to explore Mexican folk music.

Works Opera Panfilo and Lauretta (1953, produced in New York , 1957).

Ballet El fuego nuevo, Los cuatro soles, Caballos de Vapor/Horse Power (1926-27).

Orchestral Sinfonía de Antígona, Sinfonía proletaria, and Sinfonía India for orchestra; concertos for harp and for piano and orchestra.

Chamber Energía for instrumental ensemble; three string quartets (1921, 1932, 1944); sonata for four horns; piano pieces.

Vocal El sol for chorus and orchestra.