In this episode of The Piano Pod, Mastering Musical Heritage—Exploring Spanish Piano Traditions and Embracing Puerto Rican Identity, I had the privilege of speaking with José Ramos Santana, a Steinway Artist and one of the foremost interpreters of Spanish and Latin American piano music. This conversation is a deep dive into the passion, heritage, and evolution of Spanish and Caribbean piano traditions.
From the expressive genius of Albéniz, Granados, and de Falla to the rich cultural legacy of Puerto Rican composers, José shares his insights on interpreting this repertoire with authenticity and heart. He reflects on his journey from Puerto Rico to Juilliard, the mentorship of Alicia de Larrocha, and his ongoing mission to mentor the next generation of pianists through meaningful cultural connection.
🎶 In this episode, we discuss:
- The influence of ethnomusicologist Felipe Pedrell on Spanish composers
- The improvisational nature of Granados’ music
- José’s reflections on Alicia de Larrocha’s legacy
- The 10th anniversary of the Puerto Rico International Piano Festival
- Latin American composers like Manuel Tavares, Ignacio Cervantes, and Roberto Sierra
- The importance of embracing cultural identity in piano education
Whether you are a pianist, music educator, or classical music enthusiast, José’s wisdom and passion will inspire and enlighten you.
👉👉 Learn more about this episode HERE. 👈👈
✨ VIP Substack subscribers get early access to the audio version: subscribe here.
🗣️ I’d love to hear your thoughts. How has Spanish or Latin American music influenced your musical path? Leave a comment and join the conversation!
[Jose Ramos Santana]
Watch José Ramos Santana perform Evocación from Iberia, Book 1 by Isaac Albéniz
[The Piano Pod]
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