Hall of Composers

Silvestre Revueltas (1899-1940)

Silvestre Revueltas was born in Santiago Papasquiaro, Durango, Mexico, on the eve of the twentieth century and began violin lessons at age eight. He pursued violin and composition studies at the Juárez Institute in Mexico, St. Edward College in Austin, Texas, and at the Chicago Musical College. From 1926 to 1928 he spent time in the United States as a violinist and conductor. He returned to Mexico City to become assistant conductor of the Mexico Symphony Orchestra. It was only during the last ten years of his life that he focused on composing.

Revueltas’ music is concise, extremely rhythmic, and melodic. His use of compound and asymmetrical meters along with repetitive melodies has solicited comparisons to Igor Stravinsky. His body of work includes ballet, chamber works, orchestral works, songs, and film scores. Notable compositions include “Sensemayá” and the film score to Redes.

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