In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Javier Busto.
Javier Busto
b. 1949
The Basque composer, conductor, and doctor Javier Busto is known for his gorgeous choral music. Born in Hondarribia, San Sebastián, Spain, Busto spent his childhood and adolescence as a member of choirs and several rock and folk music groups. He obtained his doctorate in medicine from Valladolid University while studying music mostly on his own. After instruction in conducting from Erwin List, he began composing and conducting the Basque Students’ Choir in Valladolid. He also served as the conductor and founder of both the award-winning Eskifaia Choir in Hondarribia and the Kanta Cantemus Korua, which he currently conducts in addition to his work as a practicing medical doctor and as a guest conductor and clinician for ensembles around the world. With innovative, rich harmonies and nuanced attention to texts, he creates warm, vibrant choral music. He often sets Basque texts for secular pieces and Latin texts for sacred pieces.
Suggested choral pieces:
- Ave Maris Stella (Walton Music WJMS1008)
- Hodie Christus Natus Est (Walton Music WW1365)
- Poema a un olmo seco (Carl Fischer CM9517)