Jesús María Sanromá
Dublin Core
Title
Jesús María Sanromá
Description
Jesus Maria Sanroma, Puerto Rico's most important pianist, died of cancer last Friday in San Juan. He was 82 years old.
For many years Mr. Sanroma was one of the most active pianists on the American concert circuit. He was the official pianist of the Boston Symphony from 1926 to 1943, appearing as its soloist many times. He also played with all of the major American orchestras and concertized extensively throughout the United States.
His repertory was extensive. Besides playing standard pieces from Bach onward, he interested himself in contemporary music. He had a close working relationship with Paul Hindemith and played the world premieres of many of his compositions, including the Piano Concerto. He played the first American performance of the Stravinsky Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra, which was dedicated to him. He also was well known as a Gershwin pianist.
Easy-going and an inveterate punster, Mr. Sanroma was well liked. As a pianist he had a big technique and a superior musical mind. It was said that he never cared to practice. Sometimes his performances were not a model of accuracy, but always there was a big line coupled to a flaming Latin temperament and his playing was always interesting.
Born in Puerto Rico, Mr. Sanroma studied there, went to the New England Conservatory and finished his studies with Artur Schnabel in Berlin and Alfred Cortot in Paris. His well-received American debut in 1929 at Town Hall in New York established him as a concert favorite.
Before returning permanently to San Juan in 1950, Mr. Sanroma made a series of recordings for Victor. Among them were a group of Puerto Rican danzas, traditional folk forms that he did his best to elevate to the stature of art music.
Mr. Sanroma plunged into the musical life of Puerto Rico after returning, participating in the Casals Festivals, helping create the Puerto Rico Conservatory, where he remained head of the piano department until his death, and introducing the works of Puerto Rican composers. Surviving are his wife, Pasarell Mercedes, and four daughters.
For many years Mr. Sanroma was one of the most active pianists on the American concert circuit. He was the official pianist of the Boston Symphony from 1926 to 1943, appearing as its soloist many times. He also played with all of the major American orchestras and concertized extensively throughout the United States.
His repertory was extensive. Besides playing standard pieces from Bach onward, he interested himself in contemporary music. He had a close working relationship with Paul Hindemith and played the world premieres of many of his compositions, including the Piano Concerto. He played the first American performance of the Stravinsky Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra, which was dedicated to him. He also was well known as a Gershwin pianist.
Easy-going and an inveterate punster, Mr. Sanroma was well liked. As a pianist he had a big technique and a superior musical mind. It was said that he never cared to practice. Sometimes his performances were not a model of accuracy, but always there was a big line coupled to a flaming Latin temperament and his playing was always interesting.
Born in Puerto Rico, Mr. Sanroma studied there, went to the New England Conservatory and finished his studies with Artur Schnabel in Berlin and Alfred Cortot in Paris. His well-received American debut in 1929 at Town Hall in New York established him as a concert favorite.
Before returning permanently to San Juan in 1950, Mr. Sanroma made a series of recordings for Victor. Among them were a group of Puerto Rican danzas, traditional folk forms that he did his best to elevate to the stature of art music.
Mr. Sanroma plunged into the musical life of Puerto Rico after returning, participating in the Casals Festivals, helping create the Puerto Rico Conservatory, where he remained head of the piano department until his death, and introducing the works of Puerto Rican composers. Surviving are his wife, Pasarell Mercedes, and four daughters.
Creator
New York Times
Source
New York Times
Publisher
New York Times
Date
10/17/1984
Rights
New York Times, 1984
Files
Collection
Citation
New York Times, “Jesús María Sanromá,” The Sanromá Family Archive, accessed April 4, 2025, https://archives.sanroma.net/items/show/14.