Pablo de Sarasate

Pablo Martín Melitón de Sarasate y Navascués was born 10 March 1844 in Spain and grew into a virtuoso whose command of the violin defined Romantic-era performance. He composed works that doubled as vehicles for his own technical brilliance: the Spanish Dances, the Carmen Fantasy, and Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs) became staples of the repertoire. He also conducted, though the violin remained his primary voice. Sarasate died 20 September 1908, leaving behind music that still marks the threshold between accomplished and exceptional.