Joaquin Nin (1879-1949)   

This talented Cuban composer-pianist-musicologist was vital to the preservation of early Spanish music. Nin composed only a modest number of original works, mostly songs. However, he edited several important volumes of old Spanish music, particularly from the Spanish Baroque. A very dedicated artist, he was decorated with high honors during his lifetime.

Born in Cuba, he was taken to Spain as a child. After studies in Barcelona, he went to Paris in 1902 to continue piano studies with the Polish-German composer-pianist Moritz Moszkowski. He also studied counterpoint and composition at D'Indy's Schola Cantorum. In 1905 Nin was appointed piano teacher at that school, and when in 1908 he left Paris for Berlin, the school made him an honorary professor. He worked in Berlin from 1908 to 1910. Returning to Havana in 1910 to start a concert society and music periodical, he then left for tours of Europe and South America as a pianist. In 1939, a long period in Europe was cut short by World War II. Eventually, he returned to Cuba, where he died in 1949.

Nin was a great performer of works by Bach as well as old and modern Spanish works. His own compositions were influenced by Spanish Baroque and French Impressionism. Nin is survived by his son, the composer-pianist-conductor Joaquín María Nin-Culmell.

© Rachael Unite, All Music Guide

Below are works by J.Nin that every music lover should explore: