Tomás Bretón

La Verbena de la Paloma

Tomás Bretón (1850-1923) was a Spanish conductor and composer. He completed his musical studies at the 'School of Fine Arts' in his hometown, where he earned his living playing in small provincial orchestras, theaters and churches. Bretón composed 'La Verbena de la Paloma' (The Fair of the Virgin of la Paloma) in 1894 on a libretto by Ricardo de la Vega. It was later three times adapted for the cinema in 1921, 1935 and in 1963. The work premiered in Madrid in 1894. The zarzuela's great success for the authors lead quickly to a debut in South America where it premiered the same year in Buenos Aires. Uruguayan arranger Martin Jorge transcribed the preludio from 'La Verbena de la Paloma' for Symphonic Band.