Gabriel

Gabriel Balart Crehuet

Gabriel Balart Sobrevals

Barcelona , 8 April 1824
Barcelona , 5 July 1893

Composer, conductor and violinist

He studied composition in Barcelona under Francesc Sala and Antoni Passarell. In the 1840s, after holding the position of first violin of the Orquestra del Montsió, he completed his violin and harmony studies in Paris, Alard, Dourlen and Carafa. In 1849 he moved to Milan to pursue his career as a lyrical composer, and accepted a position as orchestral conductor of Teatro Re. Five years later, he was appointed conductor of Liceu's orchestra in Barcelona and held that position until 1874. During this period, he also offered with concerts in Barcelona and Madrid. By the end of the 1860s he devoted himself to music education and was appointed Professor of Harmony and Composition at Conservatori del Liceu. Some of his students became relevant composers of the early 20th century. He was awarded honorary master (mestre honorary) by the Societat de Concerts of Barcelona. Among his output, symphonies and sarsueles are highly regarded.