Isaac Albéniz

Composer

Birthday May 29, 1860

Birth Sign Gemini

Birthplace Spain

DEATH DATE May 18, 1909 (48)

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About

Pianist who specialized in compositions derived from folk music. His best-known works include "Asturias (Leyenda)," which was used as the opening of The Doors song "Spanish Caravan."

Before Fame

He qualified for entrance into the Paris Conservatoire when he was just seven.

Trivia

He was awarded the Grand-Croix de la Légion d'honneur, the government of France's highest honor, just weeks before he died.

Family Life

He was great-grandfather to Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, who became major of Madrid, and Cécilia Attias, the ex-wife of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Associated With

He wrote "Granada," the guitar version of which was used as a love theme in 2008's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," which was directed by Woody Allen.