CPF Casals (Casals Pablo)

(1876-1973)
Casals was born on Dec. 29, 1876 in El Vendrell, a small town in Catalonia, south-west of Barcelona. The first music lessons received from her father, an organist and teacher. For 12 years the boy had already mastered several instruments. In 1888 he began studying cello with J. Garcia in the Municipal Conservatory of Barcelona and continued his education (including the composer) in Madrid, Brussels and Paris. In 1897 Casals was replaced by Garcia at the post of professor of cello at the Municipal Conservatory.
In 1899, the famous conductor of the Paris C. Lamoureux presented to the public promising Spanish virtuoso - so began the path Casals-soloist. In the early 1900's, he toured in Europe and the United States, and his technical mastery, bright temperament has not been generally recognized. In 1904 Casals, together with the pianist Alfred Cortot and the violinist Jacques Thibaud Trio has created an excellent.

Casals has always gravitated toward conducting, considering it the main business of his life. In 1920 he organized and led the orchestra 'Pau Casals' and created 'working in concert society' in Barcelona. He performed with such orchestras as the New York Symphony, the Vienna Philharmonic, London Symphony, the Paris orchestras Lamoureux and Column.

After the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) Casals refused to recognize the Franco regime, and protested the fact that many years of not speaking in their native country. In 1939 he left Spain and settled for a time in France. In 1950 he began to hold annual music festivals. In 1956 Casals moved to Puerto Rico, where established in San Huano another festival. The music world paid tribute to Casals in 1973, when one hundred Cello gathered in New York for the performance of the play Casals Sardana (Sardana) by author.

Casals is often called the greatest cellist of our time. He was brought back to life a number of excellent works on 18 and 19 centuries. and developed new techniques fingerings and bow technique. Casals was also an excellent pianist. He composed mostly for string instruments, as well as for the orchestra and chorus. In 1945, handing Casals Legion of Honor II degree, J. Bidault said, referring to the musician: 'You - one of the world's conscience vote'. Casals died in Rio Piedras (Puerto Rico), October 22, 1973.