Born in Madrid, Santiago de Masarnau (known also as Santiago Masarnau y Fernández, Santiago Fernández de Masarnau or Santiago Masarnau) was a Spanish pianist, composer and religious activist for the poor. He abandoned his original intentions of a career in engineering and went to study music in Paris, where he became acquainted with Cramer, Monsigny, Rossini, Paganini, and Mendelssohn. He also became a close friend of Alkan (as evidenced by an exchange of letters extending over 40 years). Alkan dedicated his Trois Etudes de Bravoure Op 16 to Masarnau. Playing tips: This adorable waltz, full of charm and grace, needs a light touch. With the RH part, we suggest some serious, slow practice – especially when working on the recurring trills. The LH part is less challenging, but the semiquaver…
