The ninth volume, already! Claves’ wonderful adventure into Basque music continues! The ninth opportunity to discover new sonorities and the artistic journey of a new composer: Francisco de Madina was born in Oñate on 29 January 1907 and died in his hometown on 30 June 1972.

Ordained a Canon Regular of the Lateran in 1929, he studied music and theology at the order’s seminaries in his native country before being assigned to a post in Argentina. Many of his early works composed during this period exhibit influences of indigenous (particularly gaucho) music.

He was reassigned to Albany (New York) in 1955, where his priestly responsibilities and work as organist left him little time for composition. Edwin F. Kalmus published several of his scores, Nicanor Zabaleta was an enthused champion of his harp music, and the Romero brothers (who also participated in this recording) frequently performed his guitar music.

A notable figure from the micro cosmos of Basque music who deserves to be discovered!