FELIPE GUTIERREZ  ESPINOSA (1825-1899)             

     Born in Puerto Rico in 1825, he was a Puerto Rican composer that taught himself to compose music.  He was best known for his musical creations of opera and sacred music.  He won competitions in 1858 for choir master of the San Juan cathedral; prior to that in 1845 he was named a top musician in the Iberia battalion.  Espinosa had organized a free music academy in 1875.  He was given a grant from the San Juan town council to continue his studies throughout Europe.  After a talented musical life with many achievements he was forced to work the last year of his life in concierge with minimal earnings.

Discography:  

     El amor de un pescador

     El Bearnés

     Guarionex

     Macías

     Las siete Palabras

Bibliography:

     Oxford Music Online- June 2011

     Naxos Music Library