Castro, Ricardo

1907-

Mexico's foremost composer and pianist, although not forty years of age, when he died, had a remarkable musical career. At the age of seventeen, having completed his course of study in the Conservatory, he was sent by the Government on a coricert tour through the United States, where he received an ovation in all the musical centers of the country. On his return to Mexico he was appointed professor of composition in the Conservatory, which position he held for two years, when he was sent to Europe to perfect his studies. During his sojourn of four years in the principal capitals of Europe, he was often heard in concert and was the recipient of the most favorable criticisms. But it was in Italian music that he found the most favorable and best accomplishments in operatic endeavor, and while in Rome he wrote what promises to become one of the most popular modern operas, La Leyenda de Rudal (The Legend of Rudel), a lyric poem in three acts, founded on a French provincial legend of the Twelfth Century. On the completion of the opera he was offered flattering propositions to put it on in Paris, but he wished to reserve his maiden effort for his own country, and it was performed in his native city on his return from the Old World. Soon after the performance of his opera he was appointed director of the Mexican Conservatory of Music. Castro was regarded in his country as a musician with a great future.