MICHAEL WALSH MUSIC CORRESPONDENT Most with an ear for Spanish music will be familiar with Pablo de Sarasate’s gipsy airs (Zigeunerweisen): Otherwise, his Carmen Fantasy. It is music that stops you from whatever you are doing; the catchiness and spontaneity of these melodies bring a pause to any conversation.

The gifted composer’s home town of Pamplona in northern Spain is best known for its annual Fiesta de San Fermin. Few would care to join the crowds of thrill seekers who race through the city’s narrow streets pursued by rampaging bulls.

There is also a far less dangerous but equally thrilling opportunity to enjoy the fiesta held in the annual celebration of Sarasate; a composer feted by some of the world’s greatest composers of Spanish music.

Born in 1844 he was studying music by the age of five; first by his father, an artillery bandmaster and later by a teacher. Gifted and precocious he was just eight years of age when he gave his first public concert.

His performances impressed both audiences and the nobility who were quick to sponsor the gifted youngster. He was after all a favorite of Queen Isabel 11. Such a gift could never be squandered and when just twelve years old his proud mother decided to take him to Paris to study with the acclaimed teacher, Jean Alard at the Paris Conservatoire.

Heartbreak accompanied the pair for soon after crossing the border into France the prodigy’s mother had a heart seizure and died. When taken to the Spanish authorities in Bayonne, Pablo was found to be suffering from the killer disease, cholera.

Touched by the tragedy and no doubt impressed by the youngster’s musical ability and connections, the Spanish consul took the grieving boy into his own home until he recovered from his illness. From there he sent Pablo on to Paris to be finally auditioned by Monsieur Alard who quickly saw a gift to be encouraged.

At seventeen Pablo Sarasate won easily the coveted Premiere Prix and also the hearts of those who had already earned acclaim in music. The works dedicated to him included Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, Bizet’s Carmen, and Saint-Saëns’ Rondo Capriccioso; another foot-stamping evocation.

Sarasate was the ultimate caballero; a gentleman of refinement, elegance and impeccable dress. During his lifetime he received thousands of love letters; he ignored them all and remained a bachelor. Notwithstanding he was the personification of chivalry and always kept a supply of fans so that he might leave his lady admirers a token of his gratitude.

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He loved the Fiesta de San Fermin, watching from his balcony as the bulls charged through the streets.  Spain gave life to him and few were better placed to give Spain to the world. He died of chronic bronchitis in 1908. When in Pamplona try to visit the museum dedicated to him and do at least listen to his music for I promise, you will be captivated.

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