Here is the biography of José Iturbi:
José Iturbi was a Spanish-born pianist and conductor, known for his volatile and temperamental nature. Born in Valencia, he was a child prodigy who began giving piano recitals by the age of seven and played for up to 14 hours daily at a silent cinema theatre to supplement his family's income.
Iturbi was an honors graduate from the Conservatoire de Musique in Paris and, by the age of 24, occupied Franz Liszt's former post as leader of the piano department at the Geneva Conservatory. He made his London debut as a concert pianist in 1928 and played Beethoven's G Major Concerto to great acclaim under Leopold Stokowski's direction in Philadelphia.
Iturbi's private life was marked by tragedy, including the death of his first wife in 1928, just 12 years after their marriage. He went on to date movie stars and was involved with Hollywood, but his fiery temper often got the better of him. He was known for his reckless driving, flying, and conduct on stage, earning him the nickname "the flying fool."
Despite his controversies, Iturbi enjoyed a successful career as a conductor, leading the Rochester Philharmonic and conducting his first opera in 1959. He also had a successful screen career, appearing in musicals such as Anchors Aweigh and Three Daring Daughters, and recording popular music.
Throughout his life, Iturbi was known for his eccentricities and contradictions. He was a man of many talents and passions, and his life was marked by both triumph and tragedy.
