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All Music Guide:
Spanish film composer Alberto Iglesias was born in San Sebastian in 1955. He spent his early years studying harmony and counterpoint in the city of his birth, later studying composition and piano in the studios of Phonos de Barcelona. Wrapping up his period of formal education, Iglesias formed a duo with fellow composer Javier Navarrete creating electronic music, touring and performing from 1981 to 1986. This spark for creative and unconventional techniques would come to characterize Iglesias' career. Thanks to personal connections made by his brother Jose Luis, Iglesias began working in the world film music in the mid-'80s, scoring films such as La Conquista de Albania (1984) and El Sueño de Tanger (1986). Though well liked by industry insiders, Iglesias' compositions had not found large audiences before his collaborations with Julio Médem, one of Spain's most influential directors. 1991's Vacas (Medém), followed by 1993's La Ardilla Roja formed an important alliance between Medém and Iglesias that would lift the young composer to new heights of renown. Thanks to the films' success and the quality of Iglesias' work, he was solicited for a number of projects throughout the '90s, including the national hits Los Amantes del Circulo Polar (1998) and Pedro Almodóvar's Todo Sobre Mi Madre (1999). The latter marked the beginning of an important partnership with Almodóvar, as well as Iglesias' arrival as an internationally recognized voice in film music. This hard earned reputation was further established with the award winning score for Talk to Her, followed by La Mauvaise Education. Iglesias' impeccable work was introduced to U.S. audiences via his Oscar-nominated score for The Constant Gardener.
Wikipedia:
Ehsan Aman (احسان امان - Eḥsān Amān; b. 1959) is a singer from Afghanistan. He is one of the few veterans of Afghanistan’s lost music Golden Age who've maintained their popularity over the decades. He already had public exposure in Afghanistan in the 1970s and early 1980s with his first singles and the performances he held at Kabul University. Exiled since the early 80s in the U.S., he has continued writing and producing music in the state of Virginia, which has also been his residence since that time.
Aman is married to the daughter of late song writer Nainawaz.
Early life [edit]
Ehsan was born in Lashkargah, Afghanistan, to Mohammad Aman Ibrahim, an engineer by profession. By caste he is Sarparah, whose lineage can be traced to the distinguished people of Helmand province. Ehsan's interest in music developed in early childhood when he learned to play the accordion. This led to his participation in his high school music functions that raised public support for his professional pursuit of music. After completing his high school education, Ehsan won a scholarship to enter Kabul University and he followed his father's footsteps to study.
Aman's serious interest in music began during university- during his attendance as a student, he held various live performances; Ehsan's popularity began to rise. However, there were tensions between Aman and media personalities- the adverse circumstances of the time period led to misinterpretation of his lyrics and contributed to negative publicity. His songs - which were regulars of Kabul Radio Station - were banned.
Career [edit]
Ehsan’s early works included the hit single Bute' Daram, which he prepared as a gift for one of his relatives. Broadcast on radio, it immediately brought the singer to light. He was then requested by the radio staff for another song, to which he responded with Allah. This single, surpassing the popularity of his first number, was aired repeatedly gaining Ehsan immediate national attention. His quick fame led to provoking of resentment from others and led to fabrication of stories against the singer. Avoiding a confrontation that could have cost him his life, he chose to leave the country. He arrived in Pakistan in 1981. In October 1982, he emigrated to the United States, re-kindling his musical pursuits. In spite of economic and technical difficulties, he collaborated with other exiled musicians from Afghanistan and, in 1983, he released his first album: Musafer.
However, burdened with family life and the adjustment to the adopted country, Ehsan limited his involvements from 1985 to 1993 to a career in engineering. After 1993, at the request of fans, he returned to music.
In January 2002, he was asked by the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C. to re-arrange the national anthem of Afghanistan. He performed his rendition in front of a 3,500 member audience, achieving acclaim for his achievement.
Personal life [edit]
In 1985, Ehsan married his wife Sahar who is the daughter of the late Afghan poet and composer Nainawaz. His wife supports his musical endeavors and often accompanies him to his concert performances. Ehsan is also a calligrapher and an avid tennis player. From 1976 to 1980, he was a member of the Afghan National Tennis Team, and participated in many international tennis competitions outside of Afghanistan.
