Manuel Gregorio Tavarez
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Manuel Gregorio Tavarez (November 16, 1843 – July 1, 1883), born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was Puerto Rico's first renowned classical and danza composer and the inspiration behind future generations of composers.
He began his musical studies in the City of San Juan. Among his first teachers were Jose Cabrizas and Domingo Delgado. Tavarez became an accomplished pianist at an early age. With a scholarship granted by "The Economic Society of Friends of Puerto Rico" (La Sociedad Economica Amigos del Pais), he was able to enroll and study music in the Music Conservatory of Paris at the age of 15. Tavarez studied under the guidance of Auber and D'Albert. While in France, Tavarez suffered a stroke which left his hand partially paralyzed.
Tavarez returned to Puerto Rico because of his health problems. He settled down in Ponce where he gave piano lessons. He was able to overcome his health problems and began to put on musical concerts of his compositions.
Tavarez is considered to be Puerto Rico's first Romanticism era composer. He also composed music of other genders as well. Among his best known works was the funeral March: "Rendencion" (Redemtion) dedicated to honor the memory of Jose Campeche, the Rapsody: "Souvener de Puerto Rico", and his Danzas: "Recuerdos de Antaño" (Remembrance of Yesteryear) and what is considered his greatest work, the danza "Margarita". The music created by Tavarez would always be recognized as an integral part of Puerto Rican culture. Tavarez is known as the "Father of the Puerto Rican Danzas".
Among his most distinguished disciples was the composer Juan Morel Campos. His daughter Elisa Tavarez would also become an accomplished pianist.
Manuel Gregorio Tavarez died on July 1, 1883 in the City of Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Tavarez has been honored by the Government of Puerto Rico with the naming of public buildings and institutions after him. In San Juan there is a theater named after him. His music can still be appreciated in concerts today.