The composer Cristóbal Halffter died yesterday at the age of 91. A major figure in Spanish contemporary music – the most highly-regarded of the co-called “Generación del 51” – he was the nephew of two other notable composers, Rodolfo and Ernesto Halffter.

Cristóbal often looked quite severe in his photos. I confess, I rarely found much to smile about in his music (though his opera, “Don Quijote,” does sound promising).

“Secuencias ” (1964)

Rostropovich plays the Cello Concerto No. 2 (1985)

From “Don Quijote” (1996-99)

An early obituary:

https://then24.com/2021/05/24/cristobal-halffter-the-composer-who-broke-the-musical-silence-of-the-franco-regime/

R.I.P.