JOSÉ ITURBI
Spanish Basque pianist (1895 - 1980)

AMPARO ITURBI (1898 - 1969)

José Iturbi studied in Barcelona and at the conservatories in Valencia and Paris where he studied piano with Victor Staub, but he also studied harpsichord extensively with Wanda Landowska concentrating on keyboard technique and interpretation. He began touring as a concert pianist in 1912 and made his American debut in New York City in 1929.

Iturbi was a noted harpsichordist and had quite a successful career as a conductor, first appearing in Mexico City in 1933.  In 1936, he was appointed conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in which position he remained until 1944. And he conducted the Valencia Symphony Orchestra in Spain for many years. He performed regularly in concert with his sister, Ámparo, also a renowned pianist.

He was also a star in Hollywood films, appearing as an actor-performer in a number of musicals of the 1940s, often playing himself in these films. Sadly, this led to his not being taken seriously as a concert artist.

To my taste, José Iturbi excells in his performances of Debussy and the great Spanish composers, though I confess to an admiration for his performances of Chopin, Liszt and Rachmaninoff.  I find his Beethoven concerto and the Für Elise a bit on the affected side, but the Andante Favori is just beautiful.  I'd also like to point out the bits of the Tchaikovsky and Grieg concerti which are played in the real virtuoso bravura style.

As for his sister, Amparo.  If you want to hear how good she really was - José always insisted she was a better pianist than he - listen to the Chabrier waltz below in which she playr the primo part.  And do not miss the recording of the two piano version of the Ritual Fire Dance that Iturbo plays with sister Amparo.  It's to die for.

Bach  Fantasia in C minor, BWV 906