Ponce, Manuel (1882-1948)

Mexican composer. He is best known for his guitar music, performed by Segovia and others.

He learnt music from his sister at first, became cathedral organist at Aguas Calientes, and at 14 composed a gavotte which was later made famous by the dancer Argentina. He entered the National Conservatory at Mexico City and in 1905 went to Europe for further study with Enrico Bossi at Bologna and Martin Krause in Berlin. In 1906, he returned home and became professor at the National Conservatory. He lived in Havana 1915-18 and at the age of 43 went to Paris to take a composition course with Paul Dukas.

Works Orchestral symphonic triptych Chapultepec (1929), Canto y danza de los antiguos Mexicanos (1933), Poema elegiaco, Ferial for orchestra (1940); piano concerto; violin concerto (1943); concerto for guitar and chamber orchestra (1941); three Tagore songs with orchestra.

Chamber Sonata en duo for violin and viola, two Mexican Rhapsodies and many other piano works, numerous songs.