Josep Mestres Quadreny

Full biography Josep Mestres Quadreny

Josep Mestres Quadreny was a highly respected Spanish composer and music theorist. Born in 1929 in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Catalonia, Mestres Quadreny studied music composition and conducting in Barcelona and Madrid, as well as taking courses in contemporary music in Darmstadt, Germany.

Throughout his career, Mestres Quadreny was an advocate for contemporary music and experimentation. His compositions often blended electronic and acoustic sounds, and he frequently incorporated unconventional sound sources into his work, such as rocks, stones, and kitchen utensils.

In addition to composing music, Mestres Quadreny was also a prolific writer on the subject of music theory. He published several books on the subject, including "El oído pensante" ("The Thinking Ear"), which explores the relationship between sound and perception.

One of Mestres Quadreny's most notable works is "Série", a musical piece for a single instrument that is designed to explore all the different sounds that can be produced by that instrument. The piece has been performed by several renowned musicians, including the violinist Irvine Arditti.

Throughout his career, Mestres Quadreny was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the National Music Prize of Catalonia and the Cross of Saint George. He continued to compose music and teach music theory until his death in 2020 at the age of 91.

Mestres Quadreny's legacy in the world of contemporary music will continue to inspire future generations of composers and musicians. His commitment to experimentation and pushing the boundaries of what was considered traditional in music has had a lasting impact on the music world, and his contributions to the development of contemporary music will always be remembered.