Cenobio Paniagua

Cenobio Paniagua y Vásques (September 30, 1821, Tlalpujahua, Michoacán – November 2, 1882, Córdoba, Veracruz) was a Mexican musician and composer, who is known for both his romantic operas and his religious music. Biography Paniagua’s first music teacher was his uncle, Eusebio Vázquez. He studied various instruments in his youth in the city of Toluca, State of Mexico. He created some of his first salon pieces during this time, which were received well. Encouraged by this success, he set his sights on Mexico City. After several failed attempts to secure instruction from José Antonio Gómez, he decided to study at his own direction using foreign methods before completing his studies in violin and becoming the Second Conductor of the Cathedral Orchestra of Mexico City. In 1852, he received and, for six years, hosted his compatriot Miguel Meneses, to whom he taught musical composition and who subsequently worked for him at the Metropolitan Cathedral Orchestra. Paniagua took the initiative to create his first opera; and, finding no available librettos or librettists, he selected one by Felice Romani — Vincenzo Bellini’s librettist — and brought to life his first work, titled Catalina de