Joaquín Turina (1882-1949) was a Spanish composer and pianist, associated with the flowering of Spanish music in the early twentieth century. Born in Seville, he studied in Madrid and Paris and was encouraged by Albéniz and Falla.

His works include orchestral music, piano pieces, chamber music, songs and stage works. Danzas fantásticas, La oración del torero and many piano pieces are among his best-known scores.

Turina’s music is colourful, lyrical and often Andalusian in atmosphere, combining French-influenced craft with Spanish rhythm and gesture. It favours elegance and warmth over severe modernism.

He remains an important voice in Spanish music alongside Albéniz, Granados and Falla. Turina’s best pieces move with polished shoes over sun-warmed tiles.