Hacia la cima manuel m ponce biography

Mexican composer (1882–1948)

For the Mexican boxer, see Manuel Ponce (boxer).

Manuel María Ponce Cuéllar (8 December 1882 – 24 April 1948), known in Mexico as Manuel M.

Ponce, was a Mexican composer active in the 20th century. His work as a composer, music educator and scholar of Mexican music connected the concert scene with a mostly forgotten tradition of popular song and Mexican folklore.

Hacia la cima manuel m ponce biography

Many of his compositions are strongly influenced by the harmonies and form of traditional songs.

Biography

Early years

Born in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Manuel Maria Ponce moved with his family to the city of Aguascalientes only a few weeks after his birth and lived there until he was 15 years old.

He was famous for being a musical prodigy; according to his biographers, he was barely four years of age when, after having listened to the piano classes received by his sister, Josefina, he sat in front of the instrument and interpreted one of the pieces that he had heard.